Which assessment technique measures body fat percentage by sending a small electrical current through the body?

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a technique that measures body fat percentage by sending a low-level electrical current through the body. This method relies on the principle that different tissues in the body (such as fat, muscle, and water) conduct electricity to varying degrees. Fat tissue offers more resistance to the electrical current than lean muscle mass, which allows for an estimation of body composition based on the resistance encountered.

The BIA method is favored for its ease of use, non-invasive nature, and quick results. It is widely utilized in fitness and health assessments to gauge body composition without requiring sophisticated equipment or procedures.

Other methods like skinfold calipers, DEXA scans, and hydrostatic weighing have different mechanisms or processes for assessing body fat. While they can be effective, they do not rely on the electrical current principle that characterizes BIA. Skinfold calipers measure the thickness of skinfolds at specific sites, a DEXA scan uses X-ray technology for detailed imaging of body composition, and hydrostatic weighing assesses body density by measuring water displacement. Each has its advantages, but for the specific assessment technique described in the question, BIA is the correct focus.