Which method uses electrical conductivity to estimate body fat percentage?

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a method that estimates body fat percentage by measuring the electrical conductivity of body tissues. The principle behind BIA is that lean tissue, which contains a higher water content, conducts electricity better than fat tissue. When a small, safe electrical current is passed through the body, the resistances encountered provide data that can be analyzed to estimate body fat percentage.

This method is widely used due to its non-invasive nature, accessibility, and relatively quick results. BIA devices often come in handheld formats or scales, making them convenient for both personal and professional use. The estimates provided by BIA can vary based on factors such as hydration levels and body composition, which need to be considered for accurate assessments.

In contrast, skinfold measurements rely on calipers to assess the thickness of skinfolds at various body sites to estimate body fat, while the water displacement method measures body volume by submerging the body in water, and X-ray technology, particularly Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), utilizes ionizing radiation to measure body composition. Each of these methods has its own strengths and limitations, but BIA specifically applies the principle of electrical conductivity for its estimations.