omron body fat aquestion

[MikeKov]

I use the handheld machine.

Last month I was 17.1 at 1500hrs, today at noon I am 18.5. Somedays its between 16.9-19

How accurate is the reading and what can I do to get it to have the most accurate reading?


Why does it fluctuate?

[DJAuto]

Clearly not accurate at all. BW fluctuates throughout the day because of food/liquid intake.

[chazzy1864]

Electronic readers are not accurate at all.

Single point calipers aren't accurate at all.

3 point calipers are moderately accurate.

7 point calipers are pretty accurate.

If you want very accurate, don't use calipers (i.e., get dunked in water or sleep in a chamber that monitors your breaths and sh*t).

[MikeKov]

How far off is the omron?

[kanis999]

How far off is the omron?

I've had it tell me I'm 7% when I'm really closer to 13%.

[mrmrbill]

How far off is the omron?

The bio-impedance devices can be accurate, but body fat is a moving target anyway. One of those numbers between 16.9-19.x may be the right one, but you really have no way of knowing which "one" in the range is the correct one at that moment. Even if you did know, it isn't particularly important -- the important part is whether the average measurements are trending over time in the direction of your goal.

I've also found that more discrepancy exists in higher ranges (towards 20%). As you approach leaner levels, around 12-14, bio-impedance measurements chart pretty closely to 3-pt caliper measurements (which themselves have built-in error issues). Use this stuff to get a general sense of composition, but don't get locked into a numbers game. At least make all your measurement parameters consistent -- time of day, hydration level, etc...

[chazzy1864]

How far off is the omron?

Far enough that you shouldn't bother to listen.

Srs.

[Retardo-pex]

I use the handheld machine.

Last month I was 17.1 at 1500hrs, today at noon I am 18.5. Somedays its between 16.9-19

How accurate is the reading and what can I do to get it to have the most accurate reading?


Why does it fluctuate?

A handheld bioelectrical impedance device is the least accurate way to measure bodyfat. You could take readings several different times in the same day and get significantly different results. If you don't have someone able to do skinfold tests on you, or access to a bod pod/ other labratory style body fat testing equipment the mirror will be your best guide.

[MikeKov]

Is there any specific time to use it? Like I just exercised and I used it when I got home and its 17.5. Im really concerned as this is the only tool I have availible for me to use

[kanis999]

Is there any specific time to use it? Like I just exercised and I used it when I got home and its 17.5. Im really concerned as this is the only tool I have availible for me to use

Post a shirtless pic in the losing fat section and ask what they think your body fat % is. That method is surprisingly much more accurate than the omron pos. If you wait at least 2 hours after eating, drinking and showering, and take the measurement at the same time of day, with the same amount of clothes, holding the machine at the same height, and having the same grip, you should be able to at least see a trend in fat loss/gain, even though it is not reflecting your true %.

[keys_10]

Far enough that you shouldn't bother to listen.

Srs.

Agree with this.

[Retardo-pex]

Is there any specific time to use it? Like I just exercised and I used it when I got home and its 17.5. Im really concerned as this is the only tool I have availible for me to use

If you are going to use it, you would use it at the same time of day each time. It will still be inaccurate.

[mrmrbill]

Is there any specific time to use it? Like I just exercised and I used it when I got home and its 17.5. Im really concerned as this is the only tool I have availible for me to use

Did all the mirrors in your abode ... break?

[MikeKov]

Did all the mirrors in your abode ... break?

no but I am very concerned so it makes me think Im getting bigger

[mrmrbill]

no but I am very concerned so it makes me think Im getting bigger

Look for time-period trends ... weekly, semimonthly, monthly. BF is a moving target -- readings every day only serve for confusion.

[MikeKov]

Look for time-period trends ... weekly, semimonthly, monthly. BF is a moving target -- readings every day only serve for confusion.

At the gym they take it every month. June 19 it was 18.3, July 19 it was 17.1 so I bought my own because Im insane when it comes to this and now it is 18.7

I go to the gym every weekday and lift weights and do cardio.

[mrmrbill]

At the gym they take it every month. June 19 it was 18.3, July 19 it was 17.1 so I bought my own because Im insane when it comes to this and now it is 18.7

I go to the gym every weekday and lift weights and do cardio.

... and it'll be different tonight. And it'll be different tomorrow morning when you wake up. (Try it). What you can rely on with consistency, is cal deficit. As long as that's in order, fat will come off. The mirror will eventually tell the tale.