There are many body fat tests, some elaborate and some simple. These tests may be eye-openers for your workforce, helping to pinpoint areas where health management programs are needed. Here are some of the popular ones:
- dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) - a 20-minute body fat test that scans your whole body using two low-dose x-rays. This body fat test has a 2-3% margin of error. Painless and arguably the most accurate predictor of obesity and possible cardiovascular disease .
- hydrostatic weighing - underwater weighing. Unfortunately, an accurate measurement requires you to force all the air out of your lungs while underwater - a difficult and uncomfortable task for most.
- caliper measurement - with this body fat test, an expert uses calibrated measuring pincers, known as calipers, to measure the size of your skin when folded over, at various key points on your body. These health management measurements are then compared with the results from many others who have taken this kind of body fat test. Painless and quick, caliper body fat tests can be very accurate, but is subject to the skill of the tester and statistical deviations.
- bioelectrical impedance - this body fat test takes advantage of the fact that non-fat tissue contains much more water than fat tissue, and water conducts electricity. A tiny electrical signal is passed from one part of your body to another, and the speed of the signal is measured. This body fat test can be fairly accurate - a 4% margin of error - but is affected by your diet, water intake and body temperature.
- height and circumference measurement - the U.S. Army and Marines' body fat test measures the neck and waist, and for women, hips, waist and neck. The results are then compared with known norms. Like caliper measurement, this body fat test can be biased toward body types that cleave to statistical means.
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