The following is an exclusive excerpt from the book nscas guide to sport and exercise nutrition published by human kineticsall text and images provided by human kinetics. The most practical and valid technique to estimate body fat is. Bmi weight in pounds height in inches x height in inches x 703. Anthropometric measurements are the most basic method of assessing body composition4 anthropometric measurements describe body mass size shape and level of fatness. Typically weight in kg per height in m 2. Because body size changes with weight gain anthropometry gives the researcher or clinician an adequate assessment of the overall adiposity of an.
In women body composition measurements should be taken at the thigh the top of the hips and the triceps. This measurement includes all of the elements of your body bones blood organs muscles and fat. Bodpod has been shown to be a valid measure of group average body composition when compared to dxa in female collegiate athletes 12. The basics about bmi. Weight is an overall measure of your body mass. One common external standard for overfatness is based on a bmi above 26 while a frequently employed standard of ideal body weight is based on the metropolitan life insurance mortality results 1959 1983.
The most accurate technique to estimate body composition available for most fitness laboratories is. Past research efforts have used a variety of body composition measurement tools including bioelectrical impedance bia skinfold calipers and air displacement plethysmography bod pod but these tools are not interchangeable. Again this measurement is a non invasive and quick method with the advantage of not requiring exposure to radiation. In men measurements should be taken at the chest the thighs and the abdomen. Body composition measurements are useful in assessing the effectiveness of nutritional interventions and monitoring the changes associated with growth and disease conditions. Many online calculators also exist.
To figure your bmi in american measurements use an equation that includes a conversion factor. At any rate these 9 indicators are some of the most important factors to consider. A quick google search will reveal a number of different ways to measure body mass and composition. Body composition is known to be associated with several diseases such as cardiovascular disease diabetes cancers osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. A bmi below 185 is considered underweight while a bmi of 25 to 299 is overweight and 30 or more is obese. Field methods for assessing body composition are those that are portable and easy to use for assessment of several people in a short time period.
Among the most commonly used criteria are relative weights adjusted for height and gender corresponding to specific percentiles for a specific population ideal body weight or body mass index bmi. Which method of body composition measurement is considered the standard research technique. When you measure body composition make sure to remember to measure the correct areas. The national outdoor leadership school nols conducts backcountry research in an effort to provide the most up to date support to its students.
Gallery of Most Valid Measurement Of Body Composition
