Analysing body composition via Bio Impedance Analysis is just one method for testing the composition of your body, it is, however a very convenient and portable way of performing a body composition assessment to determine body fat percentage, total body water and fat-free mass.
In this method you are either connected to electrodes on your hands and feet or use a cheaper alternative in the form of scales or handheld devices, a small current (about 0.4-0.8 amps) is passed through the body, it’s OK, you won’t feel anything. Whichever device is used, they all achieve the same things with varying accuracy and likewise range in price from affordable to very expensive. The electrodes measure resistance as it passes through the body, it works on the principle that the resistance is inversely related to fat-free mass contained within the body, a body fat percentage can then be calculated.
How to measure yourBio Impedance Analysis
Because bio-impedance testing is largely dependent on your total body water, it’s important to ensure you test under standardised conditions, the following is advised although is not always possible in order to obtain an accurate result.
- No eating or drinking in the four hours before the test
- No exercise for 12 hours before the test
- Urinate within 30 minutes before the test
- No alcohol consumption within 48 hours of the test
- No diuretics within 7 days of the test.
at the minimum we recommended our clients leave 3 hours between rising, eating or hard exercise before taking a body composition ready.
Results
Kiss Fitness personal trainer use Tanita Body Fat Scales for determining a clients body fat percentage, below is chart showing health risk ranges relating to age, sex and body fat percentage.
What your range means to you
| Body Fat Range | Range Description & Advice |
| Minimal | You have a healthy body fat percentage, you should continue regular exercise and healthy eating to maintain weight. |
| Low | Your body fat percentage is within healthy ranges, however it’s a little above normal, it’s recommended that you should look to increase activity levels, check your diet to ensure it is healthy & balanced and reduce calorie intake if required. |
| Moderate | You have a moderately high body fat percentage, you should check your current diet and eating habits and adhere to a reduced calorie diet to achieve a healthy percentage. Increasing physical activity level is strongly recommended to increase overall health and reduce body fat. |
| Moderate to High | You have a low body fat percentage, this could be for many reasons, low body fat can lead to health risk and you should consult your GP to ensure no immediate action is necessary. |
| High | Your body fat is high, your should evaluate your current lifestyle and habits make changes to your diet with low calorie diet and increased exercise. |
| Very High | You have a very high body fat percentage, your health is as risk and action is required, you should consult your GP for further advice. A low calorie diet, a complete lifestyle change and increased physical activity will be required to curb your percentage body fat and reduce to normal and healthy levels. |
| Extremely High | Your body fat percentage is extremely high, you’re at immediate risk, you should seek further advice from your GP, you’ll ;likely need a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity to achieve a fundamental lifestyle change. At this percentage, surgical treatment might be needed to achieve a healthy body fat percentage. |