Bioelectrical impedance analysis

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Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a commonly used process for estimating body composition. It has come into favor in recent years due to its role in estimating body fat. BIA^[1] actually determines the electrical impedance of body tissues, which provides an estimate of total body water (TBW). TBW can be used to estimate fat-free body mass and body fat.

BIA was initially quite variable and not generally accepted as an accurate measure of body composition. In recent years technological improvements have made BIA a more reliable and therefore more acceptable way of measuring body composition. Simple devices to estimate body fat, often using BIA, are available to consumers as body fat meters.

In 2005 Samsung applied for a U.S. patent for a "Method and apparatus for measuring body fat by using bioelectrical impedance" claimed to have lower error and better repeatability than other devices; the patent application contains much useful detail on bioelectrical impedance measurement [2].

A number of body fat meters for home use are available, often combined with bathroom scales, which measure body impedance and hence body fat and body water.