What is the most correct process for measuring body fat?

[hogan1935]

One of my grandsons, who is a walk-on running back at Kansas University, has 5% body fat, which I think is ideal.  My daugther told me about this, but I haven't spoken with my grandson, so I"m not certain how his body fat percentage was determined.  My wife, an RN, thinks they most likely are using water submersion to measure athletes' body fat.  I recall, several years ago, learning that many physicians were using calipers to measure the fat on the backs of upper arms (tricep area); however, I wouldn't think that process would provide a true guage.  What are your thoughts?. 

[Dominique · Accepted solution]

5% is very low. For a visual representation of various body fat percentages for men and women, see this link.

My understanding is the most accurate methods are dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (aka DXA) and hydrostatic weighing.

[josephz2va]

5% is borderline. You definitely would have a very hard time aiming for that marker. 8% is for fit men. Below 20% is recommended to be out of obesity.

[Malpeg]

You can buy calipers, hand held meters as well as scales like the Aria that measure body fat percentage. The calipers are less accurate if you are older and particularly if you are losing weight. I have a hand held by Omron as well as an Aria scale. They measure close to each other but are a few percentage points different. All of these measures are estimates and vary based on factors other than body fat.

My personal goal is 15%. That puts me in the middle of the fit category for men. Be wary of the age adjusted charts. They reflect the statistical trend of gaining body fat as you get older.

[Malpeg]

Description Women Men
Essential fat 10–13% 2–5%
Athletes 14–20% 6–13%
Fitness 21–24% 14–17%
Average 25–31% 18–24%
Obese 32%+ 25%+

From the American Council on exercise