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Body Composition

Body composition is the measure of how much fat and lean tissue (muscles, organs, etc.) is in your body. We normally talk about body composition in terms of percent body fat and percent lean mass. You can use your determined percent body fat and percent lean mass to find out if you are at risk for certain diseases and to calculate a recommended body weight. We have three different methods of testing body composition: the Bod Pod and 3 site skinfold. The Bod Pod is the most accurate of the three tests we offer.

 

Bod Pod

Details: The Bod Pod is an egg-shaped chamber that calculates your body density by measuring your body’s mass and volume. The Bod Pod first determines your mass in kilograms when you step on its scale. Then, when you sit in the chamber, your body’s volume is determined by measuring the amount of air you displace. Using these measurements, the Bod Pod calculates your body density, percent body fat, and percent lean body mass using specific equations.

Instructions: To ensure the most accurate results as possible, please

  • Bring form-fitting clothes to change into. That means that men should bring a form-fitting Speedo® or Lycra® swimsuit or non-padded compression shorts. Women should wear a form-fitting Speedo® or Lycra® swimsuit without padding or non-padded compression shorts and an unpadded sports bra. You will be given a swim cap to wear during the test once you arrive at the Lab.
  • All jewelry must be removed before the test. Please be advised that if you have jewelry that you do not want to risk losing, please leave it at home.
  • Please avoid exercising for two hours prior to your test.
  • Please avoid eating for two hours prior to your test.
  • Make sure you empty your bladder before your test.
Lab Service Students/WSU Affiliates
Exempt from Employee Wellness
Alumni/Retirees Community Members
Bod Pod (Air Plethysmography) $15 $20 $25

Skinfold

Details: Skinfolds are measured by pulling skin and fat away from the muscle at specific sites and then measuring it with calipers. It is common to feel some pinching and discomfort when having your skinfolds measured. We measure skinfolds at three different sites on the body. For females, those sites are the back of the upper arm, the hip, and the middle of the thigh. For men, the three sites are the chest, the abdomen, and the middle of the thigh. Because there is a relationship between the total amount of fat at these three sites and total body fat, we can use the sum of those three skinfold sites in an equation to estimate your total body fat.

Instructions: To ensure the most accurate results as possible, please

  • Either wear or bring shorts and a t-shirt/tank top.
Lab Service Students/WSU Affiliates
Exempt from Employee Wellness
Alumni/Retirees Community Members
3-Site Skinfold Body Fat Assessment $5 $10 $15