Probably, many people remember the wonderful cartoon in which the boa constrictor was measured? As a result, it turned out that the height of the boa constrictor is two baby elephants, five monkeys or 38 parrots. "Hey! - The boa constrictor suddenly thought. "And I'm much longer in parrots."
Similarly, people who want to lose weight or maintain a figure find many ways to measure themselves. Someone prefers scales, someone prefers a centimeter tape, someone prefers the "favorite jeans" system. If you're wearing old jeans, then everything is fine, if you don't fit, it's time to lose weight. But how do you know how much fat is in your body? To be honest, nutritionists also have several ways to determine the degree of obesity or thinness. And everyone has their own peculiarities. Let's start with the most original ones.
Archimedes' measurement of excess weight
Hydrostatic or underwater weighing is a favorite method of scientists in measuring body composition, but this is for science. For those who want to learn more about themselves, it will be interesting that such weighing is carried out in water. The person being weighed sits in a special chair and is immersed in water, it is impossible to breathe for about 10 seconds, during which time the weight is measured. Then, using special formulas, the body fat percentage is calculated. However, this method has a significant drawback – inaccuracy for women and the elderly. The reason is the different density of muscles and bones. But on men, this measurement is very accurate.
Measurement of excess weight by ultrasound
As you know, ultrasonic waves are able to penetrate deep under the skin, and it is this ability that forms the basis of ultrasound measurement. It is usually performed at several points of the body. Then, using a measuring scale, the thickness of the fat layer at each point is obtained and the total body fat percentage is displayed. Experts' opinions on this measurement method vary, because, firstly, the result is averaged. Secondly, adipose tissue has different densities, sometimes close to the density of muscles, and, accordingly, the device sometimes cannot distinguish them.
Alas, such scientific methods of measuring the body have drawbacks. This is both the significant cost of the procedure, and the approximate calculations, as well as the impossibility of applying them to each person, that is, averaging. Of course, there are also very simple methods for measuring body weight.
Aspect ratio measurement
Using a conventional centimeter tape, you can also measure the condition of the body. Although this is a very approximate method. It is necessary to measure the waist circumference first, and then the hip circumference. The waist is measured 1-2 cm above the navel, the hips are at their widest point, and the stomach should be relaxed. Divide the waist circumference by the hip circumference. If the number obtained is more than 0.8, then it is worth considering overweight.
Measuring excess weight using a caliper
This method is most often used in fitness clubs, as it allows you to primarily track changes in the amount of subcutaneous fat. A special caliper device is used for measurement. A caliper is pinched into a crease on the body and its thickness is determined on a special scale. Usually, such measurements are carried out in the abdomen, thighs, upper back, and chest. Then, using the formula and the data obtained, the specific percentage of body fat is calculated.
Body mass index (BMI)
Calculating body mass index is the most common method of body measurement for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a constant weight. This is the indicator used by the World Health Organization to determine the degree of obesity. BMI is calculated using a simple formula: BMI = weight (kg)/height (m)2. According to WHO, the resulting number means:
up to 18.5 – lack of weight
18.5-24.9 – normal weight
25-29,9 – overweight
over 30 – obese.
Of course, these are average values, and a specialist takes into account a person's gender and age to accurately calculate BMI. However, it is the BMI indicator that is used by many independent girls who want to lose weight without outside help.
Such simple methods of measuring the body are available to everyone, because scales, a centimeter tape and even a caliper can be easily bought in a store. However, there is also an averaging in these techniques. For example, the BMI of two people with the same weight and height will be the same, but one of them may be a "mountain of muscle" (a bodybuilder), and the other a "donut" (an obese person).
Bioimpedance
The most effective and at the same time simple way to measure the body, or rather body composition, is bioimpedance measurement. The whole procedure takes about five minutes. At this time, a human scan is performed through special electrodes, which is recorded by a computer. Bioimpedance is absolutely painless and has practically no contraindications. With its help, it is possible to determine not the average, but the specific parameters of an individual. At the same time, bioimpedance shows the percentage of muscles, fat, bones, and even calorie consumption.
Thus, you can measure your body in different ways. However, if the boa constrictor had a ruler, it would most likely measure its height with it, because this is the most reliable way.
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