Measuring body composition

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Our body is a composition of water, fat, protein, carbohydrate and various vitamins and minerals. Body composition refers to the amounts of constituents in the body at atomic, molecular, cellular, tissue-system, and whole-body levels.

Size, structure and composition are three interrelated aspects of our body. Body size refers to the volume, mass, length, and surface area of the body. Body structure refers to the distribution or arrangement of body parts such as the skeleton and muscle-fat distribution. Body composition is the amounts of constituents in the body. Health risks and the development of certain diseases link with body composition. It is found that fat loss can extend human longevity.

Body composition is very important in athletic performance. This aspect has given new dimension to the body composition researches. Measuring body composition was a laboratory-only procedure. Now, it has moved to ordinary medical practice. One can assess his health status more accurately by measuring body composition.

Autopsy is the only one direct method of measuring body composition and it is close to 100% accurate. Our body consists more than 30 recognised major components. It is not practical to measure the living body composition directly methods used for measuring body composition of a living body rely on indirect measurements techniques. These methods are called In Vivo methods.

In Vivo methods
This method gives estimates of percentage of body fat, fat-free mass, muscle, bone density, hydration, or other body components. One or more measurable body components, such as skin fold thickness, resistance, are used by each method.

Body Composition Models
The two-component chemical model: This model divides the body into fat mass and fat-free mass (FFM). This is used to study the relationship between body composition and physical performance. Densitometry, hydrometry, and potassium (Q° K) spectroscopy are the three criterion methods for dividing the body into fat mass and FFM. Densitometry, hydrometry, and potassium (Q° K) spectroscopy are the three criterion methods for dividing the body into fat mass and FFM.

Multiple- Component Models and Methods: In this model two or more constituents of the FFM are measured in the criterion method. This method can provide a more accurate estimate of body composition than the two-component approach.

Reference Models
These models use clinical techniques that have been validated through repeated scientific studies and against which other clinical and field method results are evaluated. Hydro densitometry and DEXA are the two main reference models. The results of reference methods do not agree 100 percent. When comparing different methods or products, one should consider reference method used, the appropriateness of both the method and particular product for the body type being analyzed.

Field Methods
Field methods use simple techniques for estimating body composition outside of a laboratory.

Conclusion
Researches have been focusing on the development of methods to more accurately and reliably measure body composition. It is found that excess body fat can negatively influence our performance. Extremely low levels of body fat can result in deterioration in health and physical performance.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.