Reliable and valid body composition assessment is important in both clinical and research settings. Here is a review of the five most commonly available methods of body composition testing listed in order of most accurate to least accurate.
Body Composition And Analysis
Body composition measurement methods. Anthropometric measurements are the most basic method of assessing body composition4 anthropometric measurements describe body mass size shape and level of fatness. Most fitness enthusiasts want to know their body fat percentage since its one of the four components of body compositionthe other three being body mass fat mass and fat free mass. A body composition scale uses a weak electrical current to measure your body fat and fat free mass. You have several options for measuring body composition. In fact the method so common that the entire us armed forces uses the method to measure body composition. How to measure body composition.
They will have a viewing screen where you can determine your body fat percentage your weight and your body water percentage. As people put on fat they tend to expand in various regions of the body. These scales are often made of glass and steel to help the electricity conduct properly. Because body size changes with weight gain anthropometry gives the researcher or clinician an adequate assessment of the overall adiposity of an. A multitude of methods and techniques for body composition measurement exist all with inherent problems whether in measurement methodology or in the assumptions upon which they are based. 6 methods of measuring body fat and their pros and cons learn how lean you really are with this comprehensive guide on measuring body fat.
Like calipers the idea is quite straightforward. Measuring the circumference of certain body parts is a simple method of body fat estimation. Some are more accurate than others. For example the us army uses a body fat calculation that simply requires an individuals age height. Like calipers you can measure this expansion. And each varies in terms of accuracy and ease of use.
There are many different ways to measure body composition. As an example the main methods for measuring body composition are. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
Gallery of Body Composition Measurement Methods
