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Various methods of calculating your body fat percentage have been formulated. Each method has its inaccuracies. However, there are a few methods which are more accurate than others. This calculation - no matter how it is sought - determines the total amount of body fat and if it is at a healthy level or not.

Calipers

One of the most accurate ways to calculate your body fat percentage is by using a pair of measuring calipers. Using about four body measurements of skinfolds and averaging the calculations is the best way to determine your fat percentage.

Body fat scale

A body fat scale is not your average weight test, but a device which sends non-toxic electrical currents through your body. The currents measure the density of your body fat. Ultimately, resulting in an accurate measure of your body fat percentage.

If you do not have calipers or access to a body fat scale, you may still find your body fat percentage, although it may not be as accurate as other methods.

Conduct an accurate weight check

• Remember or write down this number because you will need it later.
  
  
• Grab a tape measure and measure the girth of your waist, in inches.
  
  
• Make sure you have the tape measure wrapped around the waistline, right below the navel.
  
  
• Multiply your calculations for the girth of your waist by 4.15 and write down the results.
  
  
• Write down the results to multiplying your weight times 0.082.
  
  
• Subtract result number two from result number one and write down this third calculation.
  
  
• From the third result, if you are a woman, you should subtract 76.76. If you are a man, you should subtract 98.42.
  
  
• Divide this fourth number by your body weight and then multiply by 100 to find the percentage. Around 14 to 24 percent is recommended.

Your body fat percentage differs from your body mass index. However, oftentimes these numbers are thought to be the same. Your body mass index calculates the mass of your entire body. Basically, this calculation is done by a mass calculator which does not take into consideration other factors such as lean mass weight. On the contrary, your body fat percentage only counts body fat rather than lean mass such as your muscles, bones and organs.

Diet pills are popular alternatives to losing weight naturally or there are more advanced options such as surgery. There is a variety of weight loss pills on the market. Knowing the types is the biggest deciding factor, when making a decision if a diet pill is right for you.

Alli diet pills

Alli which is a commonly known diet pill, is all natural and shows to have no effect on organs such as your kidneys or heart. The Alli diet pill, also known as Orlistat, works by blocking the fat from being absorbed by your body. Diet is essential to the Alli program. So, if you do not plan on diet along with your weight loss aid, then Alli is not for you. With that being said, Alli offers a diet online program to assist you with weight loss. Alli is now available in a chewable tablet.

Others

Other natural weight loss supplements contain the herbs such as ginseng, a natural metabolism booster, Hoodia which is an appetite suppressant and green tea is a metabolism stimulant. The stimulant herb ephedra should be avoided, because of its dangerous cardiac side effects. The herb cascara sagrada, should likewise be avoided because of the intestinal issues associated with it.

Appetite suppressants and metabolism boosters include some of the top weight loss products on the market. These pills include energy boosters that contain caffeine, capsaicin, Glucomannan, psyllium and a variety of stimulants. These boosters and laxatives do have the potential to cause some side effects. Stimulants, especially have ill effects if you have certain medical conditions such as a heart condition, restlessness, insomnia or other related condition.

Compared to the relatively safe diet pill mentioned above, these diet solutions are dangerous and may possibly cause serious side effects. This group of drugs includes amphetamines, which are illegal in the United States but legal in other countries such as the United Kingdom.

Not only are amphetamines addictive but they can cause tachycardia, chest pains, heart palpitations, other heart problems, confusion, involuntary muscle movements and various other side effects. These pills are often times, a physician's top choice for diet aids. However, these medications should be avoided if at all possible.