What method estimates a person's body fat by measuring resistance to electrical flow?

The method that estimates a person's body fat by measuring resistance to electrical flow is known as Bioelectrical Impedance. This technique operates on the principle that the human body is made up of different tissues that have various levels of electrical conductivity. When a small, safe electrical current is passed through the body, fat, muscle, and water content all react differently to the current. Fat tissue, having a lower water content, offers higher resistance to the electrical flow compared to lean muscle tissue, which contains more water and conducts electricity well.

By analyzing how much resistance the electrical current encounters, Bioelectrical Impedance can provide an estimate of body composition, specifically distinguishing between fat mass and lean body mass. This method is popular in both clinical and fitness settings due to its non-invasive nature and relative ease of use, making it a practical choice for assessing body composition.