Skin Fold Body Fat Measurement: A Deep Dive into Your Health

1. What is the Skin Fold Measurement and Why is it Used?

The skin fold body fat measurement is a scientific method used to assess body composition by measuring fat stored in different areas of the body. Using calipers, a trained specialist pinches specific points on the body to measure the thickness of subcutaneous fat. These numbers are then used to calculate overall body fat percentage and provide insights into specific hormonal and metabolic functions.

This method goes beyond aesthetics—it's about health optimization. Skin fold measurement can highlight weak points in lifestyle, such as poor sleep, chronic stress, insulin resistance, or hormonal imbalances. Unlike general health indicators like BMI, this test identifies exactly where fat is being stored and connects that to potential physiological dysfunctions.

At the Munich Strength Institute (MSI), Dennis Tannhäuser employs this method as a foundational diagnostic tool to design personalized health improvement plans. The goal is to not just burn fat, but to understand why fat is stored in certain places, and how nutrition, training, and lifestyle interventions can fix the root cause.

2. The Key Skin Folds and Their Meanings

Dennis at MSI assesses ten different skin folds, each revealing crucial information about a person’s health and lifestyle habits.

• Face and Chin: If fat is stored here, it may indicate acute stress levels or poor sleep habits.

• Pectoralis (Chest): Fat in this area may suggest hormonal imbalances, particularly related to testosterone levels.

• Triceps: One of the most important indicators of overall health and testosterone production. A lower reading typically means a healthier metabolism.

• Shoulder Blade: This area reveals how well an individual tolerates carbohydrates genetically.

• Rib: Connected to thyroid function and overall metabolism efficiency.

• Hip (Belly Fat): Indicates insulin sensitivity and the body's ability to handle carbohydrate intake.

• Lower Back: A strong marker for stress levels and cortisol production.

• Calf: Reflects sleep quality and deep sleep phases. Poor sleep can result in higher fat accumulation here.

• Thigh: Related to the body’s ability to detoxify through the intestines.

• Lower Abdomen (Liver Zone): Represents how well the body can detoxify through the liver system.

3. Test Results and Recommendations for Benyi and Kevin

After completing their skin fold measurements at MSI, Benyi and Kevin received detailed insights into their body fat distribution and what it says about their health. Both showed patterns that highlighted stress, insulin sensitivity, and detoxification challenges as weak spots.

Benyi’s Results & Key Takeaways

• High readings in stress-related areas (face, lower back)

• Increased belly fat, suggesting possible insulin resistance

• Poor sleep quality, which negatively affects hormonal balance and recovery

Recommendations:

• Improve sleep quality by minimizing screen exposure before bed and using magnesium supplements.

• Focus on a low-carb, high-protein diet to improve insulin sensitivity.

• Prioritize strength training four times a week to increase metabolism and muscle mass.

• Start a detox protocol using chlorella to enhance liver and intestine detoxification.

Kevin’s Results & Key Takeaways

• Similar stress-related fat accumulation patterns

• Some insulin resistance and metabolic inefficiencies

• Overall healthy but room for optimization

Recommendations:

• Maintain a structured strength training routine with progressive overload.

• Rotate protein sources (chicken, beef, fish) to avoid food intolerance.

• Reduce processed carbohydrates and focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods.

• Supplement with Vitamin D and Magnesium to support metabolic function and recovery.

4. The Munich Strength Institute & Dennis Tannhäuser

The Munich Strength Institute (MSI) is a high-performance training facility that goes beyond traditional fitness. Founded by Dennis Tannhäuser, MSI integrates strength training with holistic health diagnostics, including sleep analysis, hormone profiling, and advanced supplementation protocols.

Dennis brings over a decade of expertise in biomechanics, sports science, and functional medicine. With a background as both a competitive athlete and coach, he’s worked with everyone from pro athletes to busy professionals—offering tailored programs that address the root causes of stagnation in health and fitness.

MSI is known for its scientific yet practical approach. It merges elite strength training methods with lifestyle coaching to help clients not just build muscle but improve quality of life and longevity. Each client is treated individually, with programs based on diagnostics like the skin fold measurement, posture analysis, and mobility assessments.

About GROWn Ups

GROWn Ups is a community-driven platform dedicated to holistic personal development. Created by two friends, Benyi and Kevin, the channel focuses on physical strength, mental resilience, and emotional growth. Through expert interviews, personal experiments, and practical advice, GROWn Ups inspires viewers to become the best version of themselves.

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