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The most common way of measuring percentage body fat is by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). This is an affordable but not so accurate way to estimate body fat percentage. To measure BIA two conductors are attached to a person's body and a small electrical current is sent through the body. The resistance between the conductors will provide a measure of body fat, since the resistance to electricity varies between adipose, muscular and skeletal tissue.
Factors that affect the accuracy and precision of this method include instrumentation, hydration level, eating and drinking behavior, and the prediction equation formulated to estimate the Fat Free Mass. Another criticism of this methodology is based on where the conductors are placed on the body; typically they are placed on the feet, with the current sent up one leg, across the abdomen and down the other leg.
Bioelectrical impedance analysis is available in a laboratory, or for home use in the form of body fat scales and hand held body fat analyzers.
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