When doctors need more information than a simple scale will
provide, they often choose to recommend hydrostatic weighing — or, put more
simply, the process of being weighed underwater. Also called hydrostatic body composition
analysis, this unique method can help to determine far more than just your
weight.
Body Fat Percentage
With this underwater weighing method, doctors will want
to take two accurate readings of your weight — one while you're on land, and
one while you're underwater. Once they have these two numbers, they are able to
compute a third number, which is your body fat percentage. If your weight on
land seems to be heavier than your weight underwater, that would be evidence of
higher body fat. This can help the doctors to tailor a health regimen
customized specifically to meet your needs.
What to Expect
We've all been on a regular scale, but not many of us have ever
been weighed underwater. At your appointment, you can expect to enter a small
pool where you will sit in a floating foam seat (this seat is attached to the
scale). Then, all you have to do is go completely underwater a few times while
seated in the chair. That's it! There is no swimming involved and no deep water
is required. The whole test can be done in a single twenty-minute appointment.
Once you've completed the test, the computerized scale will calculate your
weight and body fat percentage automatically. While the technology and math
behind this method may be relatively simple, it is great for providing detailed
information!
This kind of
underwater weighing method is not only accurate, but for most people, it's
actually sort of fun. If your doctor recommends that you have your weight taken
underwater, it might be the easiest prescription you've ever had to fill.
