Methods for Measuring Body Composition

Cons of BIA

Affected by hydration levels and food intake. Variable accuracy. Analysis based on pre-calculated formulas. May not account for individual differences. Requires quality equipment. Less accurate in estimating regional body composition.

An electrical current goes through the person being measured, it measures how much the current is "slowed down" as it moves through different parts of the body. Assess total body water, fat-free mass, and body fat equations..

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)

Utilizes electrodes on both feet and hands. Measures impedence throughout the entire body and provides a more comprehensive body composition assessment.

Four-terminal feet-to-hand

Pros of BIA

Non-invasive and comfortable. Quick, easy, and cost-effective. Measures TBW, FFM, and FM. Suitable for tracking changes over time. Can estimate body composition without clothing removal. No radiation exposure.

Involve using calipers to measure the thickness of subcutaneous tissue. Use a specific anatomical site, providing an estimate of body fat percentage.

Skinfold thickness

Electrodes placed on bare feet. Measures impedance through the lower body but may not provide a complete body composition profile

Two-terminal foot-to-foot

Electrodes positioned on hands. Measures impedance through the upper body but may not provide a complete view of overall body composition.

Two-terminal hand-to-hand

Cons of Skinfold Measurements

accuracy relies on the skill of the practitioner, great margin of error, subject required to expose specific areas for measurement, only measures subcutaneous fat and not visceral fat

Pros of Skinfold Measurements

non-intrusive, causing minimal discomfort, calipers are affordable, portable, and suitable for fieldwork, useful for monitoring body composition changes over time, no radiation exposure

Hand-to-hand ___________ fat % in men and older individuals and _____________ fat % for women and younger individuals.

overestimates; underestimates

Foot-to-foot ___________ fat % in men and older individuals and _________ fat % for women and younger individuals

underestimates; overestimates