How to Calculate Body Fat Mass
Body weight is comprised of two different measurements: fat mass and free-form mass. Your free-form mass is everything in your body other than fat. This includes muscles, bones, fluid, organs, skin and connective tissue. The measurement you want to concern yourself with is your body-fat mass. You can determine it by following a series of steps that involve a little leg work and a little bit of math.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Step on the scale and weigh yourself. You will get the most accurate reading first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. Wear no shoes and minimal clothing, if any at all. Write down your weight.
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2
Get a body-fat analyzer. This is a hand-held tool with a digital readout screen looks something like a video game. It has two galvanized handles you hold onto. While you do this, a painless current of electricity is sent through your upper body to measure the amount of subcutaneous fluid underneath your skin. This is your body fat.
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3
Holiding a body-fat analyzer
Find out your body-fat percentage. Input all of the information requested on the digital screen of the analyzer. Press the galvanized handles firmly, hit the "Start" button, extend your arms out straight and wait 7 seconds. Now write down your body-fat percentage.
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4
Use a calculator to multiply your weight by your body-fat percentage. For example, if you weigh 180 lbs. and you have 10 percent body fat, your body-fat mass is 18 lbs.
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5
Track your results. Write down the date, the time and all of the results of your testing. Keep checking all of your information every 4 weeks so you can stay on track and always know what progress you are making.
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1
Tips & Warnings
The body-fat analyzer will ask you your age, height, weight, gender and activity level. To determine your body-fat percentage, you can also use a body-fat caliper or go to a university or lab to get the reading done professionally. They have options like underwater weighting and the use of a machine called a bod pod.
