Are any of them accurate as compared to skin fold calipers or weighing underwater?
Depending on the sophistication and cost of the unit, some bio-electric gadgets that estimate body composition can be reasonably accurate, although evey method has a degree of built-in error. However, when assessing any body fat analysis method, there are other issues to take into consideration besides accuracy. For example, many people find it difficult to use calipers correctly, plus one usually needs the assistance of another person to use them. And hydrostatic weighing just isn’t always practical. Finding an easy method that provides a quick as well as an inexpensive way to consistently measure changes in your body composition is important. Also keep in mind that just knowing your body fat percentage won’t necessarily help you improve it. If you lose muscle, your body fat % increases. Gaining muscle decreases it. Therefore, you also need a comprehensive weight management and muscle-building/toning program to go along with your body composition analysis. For an inexpensive, easy and