There are 4 site for measuring skinfold thickness to assess the body fat content of a person, both women and men. In addition to skinfold thickness, measurement of body fat levels can be done using other methods. These methods include Dual Energy X-ray Absorbtiometry (DXA Scan), Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), Skinfold calipers, ultrasound to BMI.
Among these methods, skinfold thickness measurement is considered to be the best method. Because, the measurement is easy and practical to carry out. Even based on healthline, it is stated that measuring fat levels through the thickness of skin folds is considered more accurate than BMI (Body Mass Index).
For measuring skin folds, the fat content is obtained from the thickness of the skin folds, then this value is used to evaluate a person’s ideal mass. The fat mass that needs to be reduced is seen from the difference between lean mass and the percentage of body fat. The measurement of skin folds cannot be done in any area of the skin, there are predetermined rules. These rules are established to ensure accurate and precise calculation results.
So what are the points for measuring skin folds that can be used as a reference in measuring fat levels?
This article will review the 4 points of skin fold measurements that are used to determine fat levels and assess a person’s nutritional status.
Skinfold Measurement Site
There are several measurement site rules for measuring the percentage of body fat levels. The measured fat can be seen through the surface of the skin folds to the subcutaneous tissue. The measurement points according to Jack and Pollock are divided into 3-site and 7-site. In Indonesia, there are 4 measurement site that are commonly used by nutritionists or medical personnel in evaluating a patient’s body fat.
Here are 4 site of skinfold measurement to evaluate body fat:
1. Subscapular
Measurement Method: The measurement area is located diagonally at a 45 degree angle along the cleavage line, just below the scapula. Measurements are taken by taking the skin and fingering it subcutaneously 6-8 cm, then record the results.
2. Suprailliac
Measurement method: measuring area above the cristae, take a fold of skin horizontally above the suprailiac as much as 6-8 cm, take a layer of subcutaneous tissue, clamp it with a caliper, record the results
3. Bicep
Measurement Method: Measure the inactive bicep arm, the skin fold is taken in a vertical direction above the biceps brachii which is parallel to the triceps. Take a layer of skin and subcutaneous tissue as much as 6-8 cm, clamp it with a caliper, record the results.
4. Tricep
Measurement Method: Measure the inactive tricep arm, ask the patient to form 90 degrees. Measurement starts from the acronial process and the inferior border of the olecranon process is measured from the lateral side. Next, mark the midpoint of the measurement obtained and then mark it. Take the skin fold vertically as much as 6-8 cm, skin and subcutaneous tissue, clamp with a caliper, record the results
You can determine body fat percentage by adding up the measurements at these 4 site. Next, enter the total measurement results into the reference table, and look at the percent body fat in the table.
Ideal Body Fat Table
After the patient’s skinfold thickness is obtained, you can see the fat content value on the body fat percentage table. In addition to skinfold thickness, information such as the sex and age of the patient is needed to obtain percent body fat.
The following is a table of body fat percentage for male patients:
The following is a table of body fat percentage for female patients:
The percentage obtained can be used to assess whether body fat levels are bad, sufficient, good or ideal. The assessment is obtained by comparing the patient’s fat content value with the ideal body fat table as follows:
The Most Accurate Skinfold Caliper Measuring Tool
Metrisis – Skinfold Caliper produced by PT Solo Abadi Indonesia is a measuring instrument used to evaluate body fat levels through skin folds. Skin folds are one of the dimensions of human anthropometry. Skinfold Calipers from Solo Abadi are classified as Slim Guide Skinfold Calipers and Harpenden Skinfold Calipers. Both are analog body fat measuring devices that are easy to operate and carry anywhere.
Following are the details of the Skinfold Caliper skin fold measuring tool produced by PT Solo Abadi Indonesia:
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