Fat Fold Measures – This book covers the entire syllabus of “Nutrition and Dietetics” prescribed by BNMC-for all Diploma in Nursing Science and Midwifery students. We tried to accommodate latest information and topics. This book is examination friendly setup according to the teachers’ lectures and examination’s questions. At the end of the book previous university questions are given. We hope in touch with the book students’ knowledge will be upgraded and flourished. The unique way of presentation may make your reading of the book a pleasurable experience.
Fat Fold Measures
The fat fold/ skinfold measurement test is one of the oldest and still most common methods of determining a person’s body composition and body fat percentage.
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A skinfold calliper
A skinfold caliper is used to assess the skinfold thickness, so that a prediction of the total amount of body fat can be made. This method is based on the hypothesis that the body fat is equally distributed over the body and that the thickness of the skinfold is a measure for subcutaneous fat.
Procedures for skinfold measurement:
You need to firmly grasp a fold of your client’s skin between your thumb and index finger and lift this up. The skinfold should include two thicknesses; one of skin and one of the subcutaneous fat, but no muscle or fascia.
Place the contact surface of the callipers at a 90 degree angle to the skinfold approximately Icm below the fingers. Slightly release the pressure between the fingers, but remain holding the skinfold so that a greater pressure is applied by the callipers. Release the handle of the callipers and read the needle to the nearest 0.1mm approximately 4 seconds after the pressure is released.
Here are some key points to remember when taking skinfold measurements:
- Ensure you are careful in locating the anatomical landmarks used to identify the skinfold site
- Take all skinfolds on the right side of the body (for reliability)
- Ensure that you take the skinfold in a rotational order (circuit) and do not complete consecutive readings at each skinfold site
- Grasp the skinfold firmly between your thumb and index finger of your left hand. The skinfold is lifted 1 cm and recorded with the callipers held in the right hand
- Keep the fold elevated while the measurement is recorded
- Take the skinfold measurement 4 seconds after the calliper pressure is released
- Take a minimum of two measurements at each site. The acceptable range between repeated measures is Imm. If the values vary by more than Imm take an additional measurement and use the average of the three measurements
- Skinfold measurements should not be taken when the skin is wet or after exercise
- Remember age, size and state of hydration may affect skinfold measurement
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