FAQ
Why measure Body Fat?
Percent body fat is known to be a key factor in determining
fitness. It is also a known indicator of disease risk. Weight alone
is not a reliable indicator of good health. Weight (pounds on the
scale) does not distinguish between pounds that come from
body fat and those that come from lean body mass or muscle.
Carrying too much fat is what makes a person obese. Obesity is
a known risk for many serious medical conditions including
heart disease, diabetes and even certain forms of cancer.
Obesity contributes to at least half the chronic diseases in
western society
Why use Near Infrared Light (NIL)?
NIR Quantitative Analysis was developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1970. A simple non-destructive method of providing measurements of organic constituents was needed. The USDA discovered that when light is shined through any type of organic item, each item had its own, unique ‘glow’. The first NIR applications were agricultural, measuring sweetness in fruit,
fat levels in ground beef, and protein levels in grain products. Futrex took the principles of NIR analysis, and adapted them for the measurement of percent body fat.
How does Futrex measure Body Fat?
US government research determined that the biceps of the dominant arm has a direct correlation with overall body fat. Futrex’s technology uses Near-Infrared Interactance. This is the same technology used in the remote controls of modern TVs. Body fat absorbs these wavelengths of light and lean mass reflects them. The light absorption and reflection is measured to determine body fat.
What do Futrex instruments see with Near-Infrared Light?
Near-Infrared Light recognizes a variety of different fats in the body, such as subcutaneous fat, inter-muscular fat and lean mass.
How do Futrex instruments work?
Using the Futrex Light Wand, Near-Infrared Light is sent into the dominant arm, where the light is absorbed and reflected, generating a value that Futrex proprietary technology (using Multiple Linear Regression Analysis) takes and creates Futrex’s Exclusive 3-Fat Breakdown.
Why a single site measurement?
USDA research found that the ratio of fat to lean mass is best represented in the inter/intra muscular region of the body. Three such locations were identified: Midpoint of the Biceps, midpoint of the Triceps and midpoint of the quadriceps. Futrex chose the biceps for convenience.
How accurate is Futrex?
Underwater weighing is known as the ‘Gold Standard’ of body fat measurement. Many people refer to it as the ‘dunk test’. All other methods, including Futrex, are calibrated to this ‘reference laboratory’. Underwater weighing has a margin of error of plus or minus 3%. Futrex has the same margin of error as underwater weighing.
How does Futrex compare to other methods?
Underwater weighing is known as the ‘Gold Standard’ of body fat measurement. Many people refer to it as the ‘dunk test’. All other methods, including Futrex, are calibrated to this ‘reference laboratory’. Underwater weighing has a margin of error of plus or minus 3%. Futrex has the same margin of error as underwater weighing.
- Skin fold calipers have been shown to have up to 9 percent variability from differences in skin fold technicians
- Bio-Electrical Impedance requires the following pre-test protocols:
- No alcohol 48 hours before the test
- Avoid intense exercise 12 hours before the test
- Avoid eating or drinking (especially coffee, tea, and colas) 4 hours before the test
- Empty bladder 30 minutes before test
- Avoid all diuretics for 7 days before test (only if possible)
