by Devices for Measuring Body Fat: Old and New Technologies
A variety of devices have been developed over the years to measure Body Fat Measurement Device fat percentage through different methods. Some older technologies are still commonly used today while new innovations aim to provide more accurate results.
Skin Fold Calipers
One of the earliest and most affordable methods is using skin fold calipers to directly measure subcutaneous fat layers. A trained technician pinches the skin and underlying fat at various sites such as the bicep, triceps, and suprailiac areas. Caliper measurements are then plugged into formulas to estimate body fat percentage. While inexpensive, this technique requires skill and consistency between tests to produce reliable results. Dehydration or muscularity can also impact accuracy.
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)
BIA devices work by sending a very weak electric current through the body and measuring resistance. As fat tissue contains little water it offers high resistance, while lean muscle is highly conductive. Handheld and footpad scales are most common, only requiring the user to hold or stand on electrodes. Results are provided almost instantly but can be affected by factors like hydration levels, food/drink intake, and menstrual cycle. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) remains the clinical gold standard.
Air Displacement Plethysmography
The Bod Pod system uses air displacement plethysmography in an enclosed chamber to determine body volume and density. By comparing measurements to reference values, body composition percentages can be derived. Tests are quick and require only light clothing. However, the large equipment is less portable and results may not be as accurate for those with excess abdominal fat or muscle mass. Precision is also reliant on following pre-test protocols.
DEXA (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry) Scans
Considered the clinical research standard, DEXA uses a very low dose X-ray beam to distinguish between bone, lean tissue, and fat. Total and regional measurements for the entire body are provided in a reclined position scan lasting 5-10 minutes. Precision is high, but DEXA machines are expensive, immobile, and require certified radiological technicians to operate. Not practical for personal wellness monitoring yet still the benchmark for clinical trials.
New Advances in Wearable Body Composition Tracking
More recent device innovations are aiming to bring research-level Body Fat Measurement Device into homes and everyday activity tracking. Multi-sensor smart scales like Withings Body+ and Fitbit Aria measure weight, body fat percentage, BMI, and muscle/bone mass via BIA right on the scale platform. Data syncs wirelessly to mobile apps for long-term monitoring trends.
Some smartwatches and fitness trackers now incorporate BIA technology directly into wrist-worn devices. The BIA electrodes are embedded in the watch casing to provide on-demand body composition readings. The Omron HeartGuide and Huawei Watch Fit are early examples with this wrist-based approach.
Full-body 3D Scanning Technology
Highly accurate full body 3D scanning booths are also emerging as tools for athletic performance evaluation and weight management monitoring. Systems like InBody and Tanita use multiple scans to build a detailed 3D model and volumetric map of the body. Proprietary algorithms then calculate composition ratios beyond just weight, BMI, or body fat alone. Whole and segmental readings for muscles, bones, organs and more provide an in-depth look at physical changes over time.
The Future of Wearable Body Composition
As sensor and algorithm technologies continue advancing, expect to see even more wearable devices integrating various methods of body composition tracking unobtrusively during daily activities. Multi-frequency BIA, ECG signals, and thermal monitoring are among data sources being explored. Cloud data sharing and personalized analytics/coaching also aim to enhance the value and long-term impact of self-monitoring body composition trends over a lifetime. Widespread adoption will rely on superior measurement accuracy validated against clinical standards like DEXA.
New and Emerging Home and Portable Body Fat Measurement Device
Given COVID pandemic restrictions, more focus has been placed on home and portable body composition testing options. Several new devices have emerged using different methods than just basic digital scale BIA.
The QardioArm cuff works like clinical body composition monitors, utilizing bioelectric impedance spectroscopy (BIS) with multiple frequency currents. Multiple limb segments are analyzed while seated to provide body fat percentage, muscle mass, and hydration levels matched to DEXA scans. Another option is the Withings Body Cardio smart scale which adds an ECG cardiac rhythm analysis to the scale’s impedance readings.
For a full-body portrait, the Boditrax Pro system uses 3D photonic scanning in a portable booth similar to larger commercial models. Over 250 measurements are captured within 30 seconds to deduce whole and segmental composition breakdowns. All data transfers wirelessly to mobile apps for storing trends over time away from clinical facilities. As technology progresses, home testing opens new opportunities for accessible and convenient body analysis.
In summary, a wide range of Body Fat Measurement Device now exist from simple and inexpensive to highly sophisticated clinical tools. Both established and emerging methods aim to non-invasively determine important metrics like body fat percentage. Wearable advances show promise to bring analysis into everyday life, though validation against gold standards remains important. Continued innovation will further personalize nutrition, fitness and health monitoring both inside and outside medical settings.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Money Singh
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. LinkedIn Profile
