Body Fat Analysis

Measuring weight has long been an indicator of health and performance, but it does not actually provide much of an insight.  It does not tell us what constitutes that weight – is there an excess of fat or has there been excess muscle loss, for example?  Has all that training paid off and more muscle has been developed, or has the training schedule been too excessive and actually causing an increase in body fat?  

Being overweight and possessing excessive body fat is not the same issue.  It is also possible to have excess body fat and be of a slim nature, as is it possible to have adverse health complications because of too little body fat. We now have the ability to draw a bigger picture around that number we see on the scale all through a quick, non-invasive and reliable method called bioelectrical impedance.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis measures the impedance or resistance to the flow of an electric current through the body.  Impedance is low in lean tissue (muscle) and high in fat tissue due to the amount of fluid that can be stored in each different form.  So by simply running an electrical current through the tissues, it is possible to gauge the amount of fat and lean tissue.    

The test can be performed in any location and involves attaching two electrodes to the hand and foot.   An electric current is then circulated through the body’s tissues, which takes roughly two to three seconds.  Based on the impedance value, the device calculates the percentage of body fat, lean tissue and hydration.      

By measuring body fat using this method, it can provide valuable information as to not only the health of an athlete, but also how well they are responding to any given training programme.  As body fat is influenced by both lifestyle and genetic factors (see list below of key influences on body fat levels), measuring it on a regular basis can also help to provide more of a global insight into any athlete’s health, lifestyle and general functioning.

Factors influencing body fat levels:

• Poor diet quality
• Poor diet quantity
• Hormonal disturbances
• Physical activity
• Genetics
• Age
• Pregnancy
• Medical drugs

Author: Graeme Jones BA (Hons), ACSM, AMPhysoc, C.H.E.K Exercise Coach, CHEK HLC I