How Accurate Is Hydrostatic Weighing

Hydrostatic weighing is one of the most accurate ways to measure body fat. In fact, it was once considered the most accurate method to assess body composition. … When performed properly, hydrostatic weighing can be accurate to 1.8 to 2.8 percent compared to more advanced methods.

What are the limitations of hydrostatic weighing?

Limitation of hydrostatic weighing: requires subject cooperation to exhale completely and then submerge completely underwater up to 10 times—impossible for elderly, ill, or hospitalized patients.

Why is hydrostatic weighing not the best option for some people?

Hydrostatic weighing was touted as the gold standard for many years, however, hydrostatic weighing is not able to account for bone density. As a result, hydrostatic tests tend to underestimate body fat in athletic individuals with high bone density and overestimate in older adults who have low bone density.