What Is A Skin Fold Test?

A skin fold test is a way of measuring your body fat percentage. There is a type called the Yuhasz test which seems very thorough. You pinch the skin using a pair of callipers (a kind of compass with bowed legs.) The skin is pinched at 6 key areas on the body including the triceps, abdomen and thighs. Then you measure the fold you have pinched, and calculate how big it should be relative to your body size. You have to do this on the same side of your body every time, to ensure consistency.

If you go to demon.co.uk/fatyuhasz you can find full details of how to do the Yuhasz test, plus a calculator for working out your body fat percentage. There are also details of other, simpler skin fold tests on the same site.