Which method uses electrical current to estimate body fat?

• A. Skin calipers
• B. Bioelectrical impedance monitors
• C. Hydrostatic weighing
• D. 3D body scan

Answer: (B)

This question tests knowing which method uses electrical current to estimate body fat. Bioelectrical impedance monitors work by sending a tiny, safe electrical current through the body and measuring how easily it travels. Lean tissue, with its higher water content, conducts electricity better than fat tissue, which has less water. The device uses the impedance value along with assumptions about body water to estimate total body water and then fat percentage.

The other methods don’t rely on electrical current. Skinfold measurements use calipers to gauge subcutaneous fat thickness. Hydrostatic weighing determines body density by measuring water displacement. A 3D body scan estimates fat from surface measurements and body shape.