Scale w/BF monitor

[Accelerator]

About six months ago I bought a "Health O Meter model BFM950". It supposedly measures bf % with electricity. What I'm wondering is if this is even remotely accurate since I had to program in my height and sex. I have a sneaking suspicion it might just be using the US Gov's BMI (which I believe is NOT accurate) to calculate BF.

Is there a better method for measuring BF% OTHER than the dunk method (which is not economically feasible for me) or is this scale good enough for now?

 

[superqt4u2nv]

I found this on a consumer reports page.
This attractive off-white body fat monitor and scale measures weight and also shows a percentage of body fat. To measure body fat, program your personal data (height, sex, age, and weight) into the scale using the up and down buttons. This scale works the same way that other body fat monitors do, by using a method called bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA): a low level electrical current travels through your lean muscle and body fat. This information is then factored with your personal data, and the resulting value is your body fat percentage. The scale has the capacity to store personal data for two different users. The program is easy to use, and also includes memory, and a one-step body fat calculation.
I am also wondering how accurate these are for measuring BF%. I know that it is best to do it in the morning before you drink any water.

 

[Mr.X]

About six months ago I bought a "Health O Meter model BFM950". It supposedly measures bf % with electricity. What I'm wondering is if this is even remotely accurate since I had to program in my height and sex. I have a sneaking suspicion it might just be using the US Gov's BMI (which I believe is NOT accurate) to calculate BF.

Is there a better method for measuring BF% OTHER than the dunk method (which is not economically feasible for me) or is this scale good enough for now?

I would suggest using callipers; stay away from Biometers (electricity based) and BMI, they are both fairly useless. BMI is based on the average joe and the Biometers are faultered by bodily changes (I.e. change in electrolyte balances can throw off the # by as much as 5%).

Mr.X

 

[jenscats5]

It is my understanding also that the scales only measure BF in the LOWER body while the same type of scale that you hold in your hands measure upper body only.

My scale's instructions say to use it in the afternoon not within 3 hours of exercising or eating. If I measure my BF% on it in the am my measurement is 32% and in the afternoon it's 24%, so I have no idea which is right. But I know i'm not 32%.

 

[Accelerator]

That's what I thought. It's pretty useless. Though it's been consistent because I only use it when I get up. Thanks "guys". I will look into some calipers later. Right now it's not that important as I KNOW I'm fat (LOL) and don't need to know exactly how much.