Methods for estimating body composition

Pros and Cons

Blog by Jozo Grgić

Body composition is one of the most important indicators of person’s health. A high fat-tissue percentage is generally associated with a higher risk of various illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, different types of cardiovascular diseases and other chronic diseases. However, even the low percentage of fatty tissue has its consequences. There can have decreased hormone production, feeling of tiredness and in puberty girls can have primary or secondary amenorrhea.

Although there are plenty of methods for estimating body composition such as DEXA, underwater weighing, Bod-Pod and others, in today’s blog we will mostly analyze measuring skinfold thickness using caliper and bioelectric impedance.

MEASURING SKIN FOLDS

Measuring body composition with caliper can be done in several ways. In the past, only measure of 1 skinfold was often used and body composition was estimated from the values in the table. However, it is well known that a genetic predisposition is partly responsible for accumulation of fat on some part of the body. Thus, skinfold thickness method is experiencing a lot of criticism and number of skinfolds that is usually observed ranges from 3 to 7.

Therefore, the body composition of subjects is evaluated by measuring skin folds and using equation by Jackson and Pollock (1985) for the measurement of body density (DEN). The value of body density is put in the equation for calculating the fatty tissue percentage (% of the fatty tissue = (495/DEN – 450)) according to Siri (1956). The method of measuring body composition with 7 skin folds shows very similar results to some other more sophisticated methods (DEXA). Another important thing is that measurement with caliper can be done in any part of the day, with very little variability. Although this method is old, it is also being applied today.

Advantages

  • Caliper is a small device and is easily transported
  • Very efficiently used for field measurements
  • Shows the same results regardless of the time of day when measured
  • It is very easy to learn, proper technique is adopted very efficiently with only a few guidelines

Drawbacks

  • It is not practical to measure larger groups of subjects because it is time consuming
  • The technique is more difficult to apply in obese subjects
  • There are limitations in measuring subjects with a high percentage of fatty tissue

*Barreira et al. (2013) conducted a study in which they attempted to detect the speed of measurement of skinfolds. Namely, the experienced examinee gave several verbal instructions to students (N = 23) on the method of measurement, and with it the students also received a visual demonstration. After instructions students conducted a measurement. The subjects were measured by the experienced examinee and by students. Results showed that students received values very similar to the values of the experienced examinee in male subject and the differences between the obtained values were not statistically significant. However, the results on the female subjects showed deviations, and difference in results between the experienced examinee and students was statistically significant. Results show us that the measuring technique of skin folds is easy to use on subjects with lower fatty tissue percentage (generally males have a lower percentage of fatty tissue compared to women). For accurate measurements on people with a higher percentage of fatty tissue more experience is needed.

BIOELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE

The Bioelectrical impedance method is based on the fact that electrical resistance is largest in the fatty tissue (which contains 14 to 22% of water) because the conductivity depends on the percentage of water in the tissue, which is the largest in the fat mass. Therefore, electrical resistance is essentially a body mass index. Based on different formulas the percentage of fat and free fat mass is calculated (Misigoj-Duraković, 2008). There are several variants of measuring instruments for bioelectric impedance. The simplest and commonly used models are those with two electrodes where the current passes through the feet or hands, i.e., the subject stands on the scale or simultaneously stands and holds two grips with electrodes in his hands while the current passes through that segment of the body. These models usually show slightly higher values compared to others. Multi-electrode models where the subject stands on the scale and holds the electrodes in his hands give somewhat more accurate results closer to the true values, compared to other methods. As well as measuring skinfolds, measurements of bioelectric impedance are one of the most common methods used.

 

However, measurements of bioelectric impedance indicate that they may vary depending on the time of day when measurements are carried out. Moreover, if food intake has been increased before measurements, the final value may also be higher. As food can affect the result it is the same with caffeine and alcohol. Another important aspect is physical activity which can lead to changes in water content of the body as well as to dehydration.

For these reasons, the following recommendations have been introduced:

  • Measuring should be done in the morning before any food intake
  • Control the intake of substances that may cause dehydration
  • Measuring should be done before any intense activity
  • If person’s progress needs to be monitored it is advisable to perform measurement always in the same conditions to minimize the possibility of error (same time of the day, equal hydration conditions, same measuring instrument)

Advantages

  • It can be used very efficiently to measure larger groups of subjects
  • Provides high-quality results if the prerequisites are met
  • The method is not influenced by the error of measurer

Disadvantages

  • variability is possible in the results if recommendations are not met
  • values may vary depending on the model and manufacturer

CONCLUSION

These methods are some of the most commonly used methods for simple field measurements. Although both methods have their shortcomings there is no need to exclude these methods from the measurement program. If the protocol is followed and the measurer is experienced both methods can give satisfactory results. For long term planning and programming combination of both methods can be a great way of tracking person’s progress.