Which type of body fat measurement method is typically used in lab settings due to equipment costs?

The measurement of body fat using clinical assessments is typically conducted in lab settings because these methods often require specialized and expensive equipment that isn't readily available or feasible for use in non-clinical environments. Clinical assessments may include techniques such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), hydrostatic weighing, or bioelectrical impedance analysis, all of which provide precise and reliable readings of body composition, including body fat percentage.

These methods are vital for accurate assessments in research or health diagnostics and usually involve controlled conditions, trained professionals, and calibrated equipment to yield valid results. As such, the high costs associated with the equipment and operational standards limit these assessments primarily to clinical or laboratory contexts. In contrast, field, community, and home assessments tend to rely on simpler, less expensive methods that can be easily administered without specialized training or equipment, which makes them more accessible but less precise.