Body Composition

Body Composition is the determination of lean body weight (muscle, bone, connective tissue, organs, water) and fat weight which makes up total body weight. Lean body weight is generally considered metabolically active (utilizes energy - burns calories) and thus plays a vital role in weight management. Fat weight can be broken down into essential fat and storage fat. Essential fat for men is 3-6% and 8-12% for women.

Total body weight is not the major consideration with reference to health hazards, rather the relationship mentioned above (percent of body fat). A high lean body weight to fat weight ratio is desirable (low percent body fat). There are several ways to estimate body composition each with its own inherent errors. Underwater weighing (hydrostatic) is the “gold standard” and has reported errors up to approximately 3%.  Skin calipers are perhaps the most used method (inexpensive and time efficient) and reported errors are 3-5% of underwater measures. So for best results, underwater is desirable, but many procedures can be used; just beware of the error rates and your body type in relation to the procedure.

*Percent Body Fat

Measurements:  Thigh ______, Ab. _____, Chest or Tricep ________       Date   ___________

Thigh ______, Ab. _____, Chest or Tricep ________      

Thigh ______, Ab. _____, Chest or Tricep ________Your Est. %_________  Average Thigh ______, Ab. _____, Chest or Tricep  _______ Sum Total   _________

* Table taken and modified from Doxey et al., 1987. Body Composition round table: Part I. Scientific Considerations. National Strength and Conditioning Association Journal, 9,14-15.

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