Bodyfat estimation

Your best bet is to get periodic measurements done at a good facility (say, once every 2 months), but then log your own skinfold measurements every 2 weeks. What is important is not the actual bodyfat estimate percentage, rather it is the *change* in skinfold measurements or percentage. If you see a gradual increase in your abdominal skinfold measurement (over time), then you can safely assume that you are putting on fat. Don't measure too frequently, as these measurements could vary enough that the fluctuations due to state of hydration, etc. will outweigh any actual changes in bodyfat.

Generally speaking, skinfold measurements are easy to do, inexpensive and the method is portable. Overall, results, can be very subjective as precision ultimately depends on the skill of the technician and the site measured. The quality of the calipers is also a factor; they should be accurately calibrated and have a constant specified pressure. Inexpensive models sold for home use are usually less accurate than those used by an accredited caliper technician. The more obese the subject, the more difficult to "pinch" the skinfold correctly, requiring even more skill to obtain an accurate measurement.