Test Overview

Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzers (BIA) estimates body composition by measuring the body’s resistance to current flow. It is considered one of the most exact and accessible methods of screening body fat. In conventional BIA, a person is weighed, and then height, age, gender and weight or other physical characteristics such as body type, physical activity level, ethnicity, etc. are entered into a handheld computer. Each student will enter these characteristics into the device with help from their partner. Then the student will stand up holding the device in both hands straight ahead right in front of them. They will hold the machine until they get their body mass index and their total body fat percentage. Once you have received your scores, please refer to the charts below to determine your fitness range and record your information. Scores may very person to person and may depend on how hydrated they are.

BMI- is a measure of your body composition based upon your weight and height. Knowing your BMI as well as your body fat percentage will help guide you to, healthy succssful weight loss.

Body fat percentage- refers to the amount of body fat mass as part of the total body weight described as a percentage.

A certain amount of fat is essential to bodily functions. Fat regulates body temperature, cushions and insulates organs and tissues and is the main form of the body's energy storage. The following table describes body fat ranges and their associated categories:

*General Body Fat Percentage Fitness Zone Categories

*American Council on Exercise

Classification Women (% fat) Men (% fat)
Essential Fat 10-12% 2-4%
Athletes 14-20% 6-13%
Fitness 21-24% 14-17%
Acceptable 25-31% 18-25%
Needs Improvement 32% plus 25% plus

Knowing your body fat percentage can also help you determine if your weight loss goals are realistic. Remember, weight loss doesn't always mean fat loss.

Body Mass Index:

BMI Weight Status
Below 18.5 Underweight- Low
18.5 – 24.9 Normal
25.0 – 29.9 Overweight- High
30.0 and Above Needs Improvement- Very High


*Parents and students all of the above information is what the students will be using to help find their fitness zones for body fat percentage and BMI.