How to Calculate Body Fat Using Neck Circumference
Body fat percentage is the amount of fat on the body compared to the height and weight. The U.S. Navy has a body fat calculation that uses the neck circumference measurement as one of the main measurements for the calculation. Calculations differ for men and women. Knowing body fat percentage makes it easier to determine when the body needs more or less fat or when it is within healthy ranges.
Instructions
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Calculation for Women
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1
Take measurements. Measure the woman's height in centimeters, the circumference of the waist at the narrowest point, the hips at the widest points and the neck at the Adam's apple.
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2
Determine her body density. The formula for a woman's body density using neck circumference measurements is 1.29579-0.35004(log(waist measurement + hip measurement - neck measurement)) + 0.22100(log(height measurement)). When calculating the measurements, find the numbers in the parentheses first and then multiply, leaving the addition and subtraction for last.
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3
Determine the body fat percentage for the woman. The formula for body fat percentage is 495 divided by the body density measurement found previously minus 450.
Calculation for Men
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4
Take measurements for the man. Measure the height in centimeters, the circumference at the abdomen and the circumference at the neck beneath the Adam's apple.
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5
Calculate the man's body density. The body density for men is calculated as 1.0324-0.19077(log(abdomen measurement - neck measurement)) + 0.15456(log(height measurement)). Calculate the items in the parentheses first, then multiply the numbers and finish with addition and subtraction.
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6
Determine the man's body fat percentage. Take 495 and divide by the body density previously found and then subtract 450. The final number is the body fat percentage.
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1
References
- Photo Credit measurement image by Valentin Mosichev from Fotolia.com
