The formulas used to convert body density to percent fat assume a density of 0.900 g/ml for the fat mass and 1.100 g/ml for the density of the fat free mass. Muscle and bone tissue have a greater density than that of water and can cause a body to sink, therefore an individual with greater fat free mass but the same overall body mass, will weigh more in water due to the higher body density and lower percentage body fat.Īlthough hydrostatic weighing is considered the "standard" when measuring body composition, there are numerous sources of error associated with the procedure. The density of body fat is less than that of water, therefore contributing to the buoyancy of the body, as does air in the lungs. It states that when a body is immersed in water, it is buoyed by a counterforce equal to the weight of the water displaced. Densitometry Hydrostatic (Underwater) WeighingĪrchimedes' principle is the theory on which this technique for measuring body composition is based. Below are numerous methods used for the measurement of body fat and a brief summary of how they work. Some methods of measurement are more suitable for one sample group than another, for example the Body Mass Index (BMI) is more suited to measuring body composition in sedentary folk than athletes, due to the fact that athletes (depending on their chosen sport) will have a higher lean body mass and may fall into the wrong category by BMI standards (rugby players, bodybuilders).Ī more suitable approach to measuring a group of athletes would be the skinfold measurement as it would provide a more accurate prediction of percentage body fat for that particular sample group (Than BMI). The degree of accuracy associated with each procedure, increases as we move from the field to the clinical setting, such as skinfold measurements compared to DEXA. There are numerous methods of evaluating body fat, for both the clinical setting and in the field. Healthy ranges for women range between 17-24% where a level of 30% body fat is considered unhealthy and at a level of increased risk. ![]() Healthy ranges of body fat range from between 14-20% for men, a percentage of greater than 25% is considered to be unhealthy and puts the individual at an increased risk of obesity related illness. ![]() Fat mass consists of 20% water and 80% adipose tissue. Fat free mass consists of water (72%) protein (21%) and bone minerals (7%) typically an adult has only 3-4kg bodyweight from bone.įat mass varies considerably between individuals, in terms of absolute amount. The fat free mass exists primarily as the chief structural and functional component of the human body. Excess or nonessential body fat however can be dangerous and lead to serious health problems and is associated with type 2 diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. This essential body fat has a percentage measure of 2-4% for men and 10-12% for women, below these levels poses a serious risk to the health of the individual. ![]() The excess calories are stored as fat throughout the body and is classified as both essential body fat and nonessential body fat.Įssential body fat is required by the body to function properly it is responsible for the regulation of body temperature, optimal functioning and cushioning of the internal organs and also as an emergency source of energy during illness. Basically body fat is a store of energy that has not yet been utilized by the body body fat is created when one ingests a greater amount of calories than that which is required to carry out the day to day functions of the body. ![]() The term body fat refers to the excess fat stored by the body.
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