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Research
Covert Bailey Method
Covert Bailey’s method estimates body fat from age and tape measurements. Its source is a fitness book.
1 source
What the evidence says
Evidence Limits
The evidence cited here does not establish an accuracy range.
Measurement technique
Use the same measurement procedure each time
Limitations
Do not use this estimate alone to assess health risk.
Book Source
Method Origins
Bailey presents this method as a practical way to estimate body fat:
- Uses a tape measure for body fat estimates
Method Details
Measurement Protocol
Required Inputs
- Age
- Wrist circumference
- Hip circumference
- Waist circumference (men)
- Forearm circumference (men)
- Thigh circumference (women)
- Calf circumference (women)
Measurement Consistency
- Use the same measurement procedure each time
Evidence Limits
The evidence cited here does not establish an accuracy range.
Practical Applications
Compare estimates collected with the same method and measurement procedure.
What this means for your measurement
Advantages and Limitations
Key Advantages
- Uses circumference measurements
- Needs only a soft tape measure
- Non-invasive measurements
Limitations
- Accuracy across age groups and body types is not established by the evidence cited here.
- Bailey cautions that the tape estimate can exceed water-immersion results in very fit people (p. 30).
- Do not use this estimate alone to assess health risk.