Body composition is a way of describing what your body is made of. Body composition testing determines how much of your body is and isnt fat. Tracking your weight loss and fitness efforts with body composition measurement is a good way to see your progress. These measurement techniques can help individuals set baseline values for body composition and goals for later on down the line. Body composition measurement with dual energy x ray absorptiometry dexa is used increasingly for a variety of clinical and research applications. Ongoing efforts involve multisegmental and multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis quantitative magnetic resonance for total body water fat and lean tissue measurements imaging to further define ectopic fat depots.
There are different ways to estimate or measure body fat but one of the most effective calculations is to measure body fat by percentage. The measurement is the ratio or fat mass compared to fat free mass. Measure intramuscular fat the dexa reading will typically be 3 to 8 percent higher body fat than all other methods of measurement. Measurement and definitions in body composition the application of limits in allowable body composition in the military depends on several assumptions. Body composition is often hailed as the best indicator of overall health which means there is a lot on the line when measuring it. The excess fat in the body is known as nonessential fat and is where excess energy is stored.
The non fat part of your body is called lean. Body composition measurement methods are continuously being perfected. Whole body plethysmography bod pod advantages. The first and primary assumption is that a single arbitrary point on the continuum of body fatness represents a reversible abnormality. Your bmi or body mass index is a measurement of your weight versus your height. However with the variation in methods comes a fluctuation in accuracy.
Last medically reviewed on july 22 2019. Then take multiple measures at each site and use the average. When talking about body composition in workout and fitness circles it means the percentage of bone water muscle and fat in your body. You could be successful in losing fat and gaining muscle without seeing your weight go down. For that reason you should practice first. However there is a lot of measurement variation if youre not careful to do it the same way each time.
Your body composition and body fat are important measurements when you are on a weight loss program. A dexa scan requires medical supervision by a radiologist and some consider it to be the new gold standard in body composition testing. And how you can best measure and track your body composition. This body fat measurement test works similar to that of a scale.