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In article <25377@galaxy.ucr.edu> samari@watserv.ucr.edu writes:

[Describes having a %fat measurement done by measuring the circumference
of several spots, instead of by calipers]
>
>My question is... is this at *all* acurate???  They figured it out to be around
>20% fat...   but I can't even begin to guess whether that is about right, since  
This method is described in detail in McArdle, Katch, and Katch: _Exercise
Physiology_ and, I suspect, in several other places.  MK&K is, I'm told, a
completely reputable source.  About this method, they say (page 500):

...The circumference-based prediction equations are most useful in ordering
individuals within a group ... the error in predicting an individual's
body fat is generally between +/- 2.5 to 4%.  These relatively low prediction
errors make the equations particularly useful to those without access to
laboratory facilities.

They also warn that these equations are not good for individuals who are
either very thin or very fat; who are members of athletic teams; who have
been involved for a number of years in strenuous sports or resistance train-
ing.

So, Tammy, it sounds like the odds are that your actual %fat is somewhere in
the range 16-24%.

Rich

-- 
Rich Muller
School of Communications and Cognitive Science
Hampshire College, Amherst MA 01002 USA
(413) 549-4600 ext 501; rmuller@hamp.hampshire.edu

Tammy Woodley (samari@watnxt2.ucr.edu) wrote:


: Yesterday, I went to my gym (Bally's) and I asked for a %fat measurement done.
: I expected the "pinch your fat" method, but instead, they took measurements  
: using a tape measure around my waist, around my upper thigh and around my upper  
: forearm, then they compared it to this chart full of "constants" for those  
: particular measurements, and that told them what my %fat was.

: My question is... is this at *all* acurate???  They figured it out to be around
: 20% fat...   but I can't even begin to guess whether that is about right, since  
: it was the first time ever that I had it done.

: All replys are appreciated. :)

: P.S.  If this is one of those "beaten to death" subjects, I apologize, but I  
: did not find anything in the FAQ on it. :)

: --
: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
: Tammy Woodley (student)      | " It's not I who am crazy.....
: UC Riverside                 |   It's I who am MAD!!!!.......
: Samari@watserv.ucr.edu or    |   We're not hitch hiking anymore....
: Samari@psychophysics.ucr.edu |   We're riding!!!!!!"
: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am in the National Guard (Army) and they use a waist and neck measurement
along with weight to determine % fat.  At the time I came up 26%. This was just before 
I joined the Gym and was tested with calipers at 18%.  I don't quite believe
in the tape test.