Research
Parrillo Method
The Parrillo method estimates body fat from body weight and nine skinfold measurements. Its listed source is a bodybuilding book.
1 source
What the evidence says
Evidence Limits
This page cites no validation study for the skinfold-caliper method and provides no verified accuracy range.
Required measurements
Body weight and all nine skinfolds are required.
Measurement technique
Keep site locations and technique consistent
Published Source
The listed source is High-Performance Bodybuilding (1993), a bodybuilding book by John Parrillo and Maggie Greenwood-Robinson.
Method Details
Measurement Protocol
Required Measurements
Record body weight in kg or lb and all nine skinfolds in mm. Men and women use the same inputs.
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Thigh
- Bicep
- Triceps
- Subscapular
- Suprailiac
- Lower back
- Calf
Special Considerations
- Measure every listed site
- Keep site locations and technique consistent
- Check your caliper’s calibration
- Record body weight and skinfolds in the same session
Evidence Limits
This page cites no validation study for the skinfold-caliper method and provides no verified accuracy range.
Application Evidence
This page cites no studies of competition preparation, nutrition planning, training, recovery or performance outcomes.
What this means for your measurement
Practical Considerations
Measurement Scope
- Nine skinfold sites across the upper body, torso and legs
- Body weight is required
- Records thickness at the listed skinfold sites
- Keep the technique consistent between sessions
Limitations
- Every assessment requires all nine skinfolds
- Needs an experienced caliper user
- Requires skinfold calipers and a body-weight scale
- This page cites no population-specific validation study