Measuring Body Composition
Whenever we embark on any type of fitness program, we expect to make some kind of progress. Otherwise, we would just be wasting out time. Measuring our progress is very important not only to let us know if and how quickly we are improving, but also because it provides encouragement for us to stay on track. However, no measurement is perfectly accurate, and not all measurements are appropriate for every goal. Using a measurement that is irrelevant to your goal is likely to provide meaningless or inaccurate information. As a result, we should make sure that the measurements that we take are appropriate for our goals. The tools and measurements for monitoring progress can span the full range of indicators that measure health, physical appearance/body composition, and athletic performance. However, we will stick to indicators of physical appearance and body composition because these are the ones that generate the most interest in health and fitness.
This article will list some measurement parameters along with their objectivities, accuracies, and with synopses of their uses and limitations. For the purposes of this discussion, the objectivity of a measurement is defined as the reading’s independence from individual interpretation. For example, weight is considered to be very objective because if the scale shows your weight to be 145 lbs, it will do so regardless of what you want it to show. Also, for the purposes of this discussion, the accuracy is defined as the ability to accurately indicate body composition such as fat percentage.
Weight
Theory: Heavier person is fatter.
Objectivity/Accuracy: Very objective but very inaccurate
When used by itself, weight gives no useful information on body composition. However, when combined with percentage body fat measurements, it can be useful in estimating lean mass. It can also be useful for athletes who compete in weight divisions (i.e. boxers).
Body Mass Index or BMI (Weight in kg divided by height2 in meters)
Theory: If 2 people are the same weight, then the shorter is fatter.
Objectivity/Accuracy: Very Objective but very inaccurate
BMI gives no useful information on body composition and it is useless for computing lean mass. However, its convenience makes it useful for studies of a general population.
Girth Measurements with a Measuring Tape
Theory: Smaller girth (especially around waist) is leaner.
Objectivity/Accuracy: Reasonably objective but slightly inaccurate
Girth measurements do not directly measure body composition but they can tell you if your waist or hip measurement is expanding or shrinking. Girth measurements are very convenient and are useful for monitoring trends. In addition, using a measuring tape is the best way to see if you will fit into those new clothes.
Photograph
Theory: If you look leaner, then you probably are.
Objectivity/Accuracy: Somewhat objective but somewhat inaccurate
The results that you get from a photograph are affected by the lighting, the camera and even photographer technique. However, if you use constant photography conditions, before and after pictures are very useful for measuring your progress.
Buoyancy Measurement in a Flotation Tank
Theory: Muscle is less buoyant than fat.
Objectivity/Accuracy: Very objective and very accurate
Buoyancy measurement is the most accurate way to measure body composition on living subjects and is widely accepted as the gold standard. However, it is inconvenient and it requires a high degree of technical competence from the tester. Also, trapped gas can affect the measurement. Regardless, it is the most accurate way to measure percentage body fat for purposes of estimating lean mass.
Skin fold Measurements with Calipers
Theory: The less you can pinch, the leaner you are.
Objectivity/Accuracy: Reasonably objective and reasonably accurate
Skin fold Measurements are second to buoyancy measurements in accuracy. However, it only measures subcutaneous (below the skin) fat and it requires some technical knowledge by the person who is taking the measurement. Generally, its accuracy increases with the number of places on your body that are measured. It can be very useful because fat below the skin is usually what determines how well your abs are showing or how you look in a swimsuit.
Bioelectrical Impedance
Theory: Muscle conducts electricity better than fat does.
Objectivity/Accuracy: Very objective but slightly accurate
This measurement assumes average arm length for height, along with constant hydration and electrolyte levels. Deviations in any one of these parameters can significantly affect the measurement. However, it is convenient and easy to use.
As mentioned before, we pursue fitness for a variety of reasons and there are a variety of methods for measuring our progress towards our goals. Whether your goal is to fit into those new clothes, to look great for that photo shoot, or simply to feel better, it is important that the means of measuring your progress is relevant to your individual goal.
About the Author
In addition to maintaining his career as a professional pilot, Roger has spent much time pursuing formal and self directed studies of the human physiology and metabolism. He is also qualified as a health nutritionist and a fitness trainer. He has written numerous articles for www.spartafit.com.
|
|
Soehnle 63713 New York Body Balance Scale $128.00 New York offers state-of-the-art technology in body analysis offering analysis of fat, water and muscle to .1%. User may also chart progress of weight, water, fat or muscle percantages over time of a week, month or year on scale’s LCD display. Additional features include Automatic User ID—program the scale just once and scale recognizes individual every time one steps on the scale. Easy-to-read … |
|
|
Soehnle Rio Fat, Muscle, Water Analysis Scale $110.00 This sleek design offers the most innovative technology in body analysis scales today, offering measurements of body fat, water and muscle to .1%. Overall health and well being can now be monitored at home, as the Body Balance Rio scale even recommends a ‘course of action’ based on one’s age and gender. Additional features include instant on and automatic user ID—program the scale just once and … |
|
|
The Transparent Body: A Cultural Analysis Of Medical Imaging (In Vivo:the Cultural Mediations of Biomedical Science) $17.48 From the potent properties of X rays evoked in Thomas Mann’s Magic Mountain to the miniaturized surgical team of the classic science fiction film Fantastic Voyage, the possibility of peering into the inner reaches of the body has engaged the twentieth-century popular and scientific imagination. Drawing on examples that are international in scope, The Transparent Body examines the dissemination of … |
|
|
Obesity: Body mass index, Abdominal obesity, Body fat percentage, Childhood obesity, Obesity associated morbidity, Diet and obesity, Exercise trends, Social determinants of obesity $62.06 Obesity. Body mass index, Abdominal obesity, Body fat percentage, Childhood obesity, Obesity associated morbidity, Diet and obesity, Exercise trends, Social determinants of obesity, Dieting, Very low calorie diet, Anti- obesity medication, Epidemiology of obesity, Fat acceptance movement, Physical exercise, Bariatric surgery… |
|
|
Comparison of some secondary body composition algorithms.: An article from: College Student Journal $9.95 This digital document is an article from College Student Journal, published by Thomson Gale on December 1, 2006. The length of the article is 3635 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.Citation DetailsTitle: Co… |