Biometric Analyzer inaccuracies

Hi Kim,

I use a Futrex to analyze body fat. The output of this machine and many others is the result of measurements and calculations. In the case of the Futrex, entering different data about exercise habits will also change the results.

This does not make your analyzer worthless. It is as with just about any device that computes: the quality of the output is in direct correlation to the input.

Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com

Hello Kim,
We use OMRON HBF-306C. And I have played around with the age... I entered my age less 10 years and it drops my fat percent lower by 3-5%.
I'm sure the programmers used an algorithm that assumes we get less active and fatter as we age. :(
As one tool of many to use for an evalutation...I always state that it can have a +/- of 5%

I Hope this Helps,
Michael

P.S. On another note...I noticed your photo has your head cropped off as well as mine and many other members. I have contacted IDEA about this site issue and my response has been lack luster.
May I suggest you drop a line to IDEA about this issue...I think they need to hear from more members before they will fix this issue. Pass it on..

General E-mail: contact@ideafit.com

IDEA FitnessConnect E-mail: fitnessconnect@ideafit.com

Thanks Karin I just watched the Futrex video and its awesome! Do you know how much it costs? Of course I could always contact them directly, but just wondering if you had a ball park? Thanks for the tip!

I agree with both LaRue and Karin since I have used this device. They both have great points. Personally, I use the calipers for all the BF% tests that I do.

Best,
Harris

Hello, Kim! My preference is Scin-Fold Caliper Measurements.There are more accurate and safe.Device like Futrex have to use Near-Infrared Light.May be it will be dangerous for pregnant women and people with thyroid tumor.
And when I coming to the dentist I will always asking about Lead-Collar X-Ray.

With regards, Miroslava.

Hello Kim,

Most of my clients go by performance improvement and smaller body measurements instead of fat percentages. I use the skin fold calipers for clients who agree to fat testing.

Any device you choose will give you a baseline of that client, as opposed to you playing with data entries.
Take care.

Hi Kim,

I mainly use skinfold calipers, but in some cases I do use the handheld biometric analyzer. The biometric analyzer is good way to track and keep record of a client's progress as long as each assessment is consistent. Be aware that research shows the biometric analyzer can have a +/- up to 14, depending on your clients hydration level, if they have jewlery on, grip/arm position, etc.

Hope this helps

You have to remember that the original formulas used to approximate individual body fat were based on actually body fat measured in a population over an age variable, for example the Jackson-Pollack measure. So that the calculations used in most body fat devices use these older formulas as a reliable base line variable.

It may be a good tool for the purpose of your health fair use, but it may not be what you are looking for personally.