Is it an egg? A space shuttle? No, HAWC receives the BOD POD

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Tyndall Air Force Base's Health and Wellness Center recently received a state-of-the-art body fat percentage reading machine called the BOD POD.

The BOD POD is an air displacement tool that uses the whole body densitometry method to determine one's percentage of body fat.

Once the overall density of the body is determined, the relative proportions of body fat and lean body mass are calculated.

Prior to this technology, those looking to find their body fat percentage either used skin-fold calipers or underwater weighing. The BOD POD is four times more accurate than skin-fold calipers and four times faster and safer than the 'dunk tank' used for underwater measurements.

Along with being very precise, the BOD POD is also quick and simple. The whole procedure takes around fifteen minutes.

"The BOD POD is used mostly for baseline individual appointments," said Robert Pagenkopf, 325th Aeromedical Squadron exercise physiologist. "Upon appointments we are able to give advice on diet and recommend HAWCFIT Club programs and exercise to help those lower their body fat percentage."

To schedule an appointment contact the HAWC at (850) 283-7577. It is recommended to bring light weight attire, such as spandex, to acquire the most accurate reading.