Body Composition - Important indicators
which reflect your health prospects

The Health Related Fitness component "Body Composition" signifies the relation between muscle, fat, bone and other vital parts of the human anatomy.

Of primary interest is gauging the risk and/or likelihood of an individual developing adverse health conditions and obesity, which is viewed as a significant risk factor for chronic heart disease.

It is furthermore of interest to individuals who are engaged in physical exercise or sport. In this case, respective levels are monitored in conjunction with a weight reduction or mass gain program, or purely to maintain optimal levels already reached.

Among several possible testing methods ranging from complex to simple, the most common and practical method is by means of skin fold callipers. These are used to measure the thickness of subcutaneous fat (just beneath the skin).

Assessments can also be accomplished by hydrostatic (underwater) weighing. Although more accurate, it is a more costly method and usually needs to be conducted at a specific locations with facilities, either at biomedical centers or certain wellness centers.

There are other techniques, among which include Height-to-Weight Ratio Charts, Body Mass Index (BMI), Circumferences and Waist-to-Hip Ratio, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) and Displacement Plethysmography (ADP), which estimates the percentage of fat and lean mass.

Body composition is the only Health Related Fitness component which is measured by means of a non-performance related activity.

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