BODY FAT MEASUREMENT. 4 BODY FAT MEASUREMENT Students Name Institutional Affiliation Introduction Body fat content is a major determinant of the general health status of an individual. The normal amount of fat is liked to good health and longevity while excess fat predisposes one to cardiovascular-related diseases. The amount of body fat can be estimated using either the standard skinfold measuring method or Bioelectrical Impendence Analysis (BIA) method (Esco, et. al, 2018). Standard method involves estimating the body fat content by taking measurements of skinfolds (two layers of the skin plus the underlying adipose tissue but without muscle) on at least eight different anatomical sites. The measurements are done in duplicate or triplicate to avoid errors. BIA is a method that indirectly measures the amount of body fat through assessing body composition in relation to lean body mass. The two electrodes, one placed on the right hand and the other one below the right foot, generates a low imperceptible current and detects its flow through the body. This article focuses on the measurement of body fat using BIA and the standard method as well as a comparison of the two (Alicandro, et. al , 2015). Method Standard method: The client’s weight and height were measured using a body weight scale and Stadiometer respectively. The appropriate skinfold measuring sites were identified and marked with X using the surgical mark pen. Starting from the chest site, the skin was pinched and held between the forefinger and the thumb so as to raise the double layer of the skin plus the underlying adipose tissue. The skinfold calipers were then applied one centimeter below and perpendicular to the pinch, then a reading in millimeters taken after 3 seconds and recorded. The readings were taken in duplicate for each anatomical site. The same procedure was repeated for Triceps, Subscapular, Midaxillary, Suprailiac, Abdominal, Thigh and Calf. BIA method: The BIA analyzer was calibrated using the client’s weight, height and gender. Its electrodes were then placed on the right hand and below the right foot with the red electrode proximal to the black electrode. The current is then set and the reading of the analyzer taken and recorded. Results Demographics Age: 27 years Gender: male Body weight: 58 kg Body height: 172 cm Results of standard skinfold measurement method. Skinfold site Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 (if needed) Mean Chest Triceps Subscapular Midaxillary Suprailiac Abdominal Thigh Calf Skinfold equation 39 Db 1.088 g.cc^-1 % BF 4.96% Classification- the category of body fat for the participant falls under the athlete’s stage. Results from the BIA method. Bioimpendence measure Trial 1 Trial 2 Mean Resistance Resistance BIA equation FFM= % BF= Classification Manufacturer’s equation FFM= % BF= Discussion 1. Limitations of BIA: since this method measures the resistance of the low current passed through the body, the validity of the results can be affected by a number of factors. First, the hydration of the body before the test increases the current conductance and leads to underestimation of FFM (muscle and bone tissue). Again, research has shown that food and drinks intake can affect the results and hence the test is accurate when done in the morning. In addition, the method gives unreliable results in obese and overweight people (Kaye, et. al, . The population-specific BIA equation was different from manufacturer’s equation in that it could be adjusted so as to address the issues of the obesity and overweight. Researches have shown that manufacturer’s derived equations significantly underestimates FFM and overestimates %BF which is in agreement with this experiment. 3. Advantages of BIA over skinfold: The validity and reliability of results from skinfold measurement are entirely dependent on the personnel’s experience and skills as well as the quality of the calipers. Concern has been raised regarding the standard thickness of the skinfold and difficulties associated with measuring the skinfold in a lot of fat (best in average to low body fat individuals). Again since age influences the body fat percentage result, factors such as exercise or living a normal life (affects the normal skinfold) may not be catered for in the equation. It doesn’t intrude the client’s privacy and it doesn’t require high degree skills (Javed, et. al , 2015). 5. Sources of errors when using skinfold method: the sources of error could be a failure to calibrate the calipers, improper location of the skinfold site, and the depth of the skinfold can also affect the measurement and taking the readings immediately after pinching. 6. The easiest skinfold measuring site is the thigh since the vertical fold is made over a large skin site. The most difficult one was the abdominal site because of the challenges of grabbing part of the navel including the subcutaneous tissue while taking a measurement. 7. The % BF differed with 0.9% when using population-specific formula and Jackson estimation formula. 8. Problems encountered when taking skinfold measurements: one of the common problems is the inappropriate location of the skinfold site and the dynamics involved in the manner of measuring the skinfold at each site. For instance, in the subscapular, the upper jaw must be placed exactly on the X mark while in Triceps it should be placed on either side of the X mark. Conclusion Although both skinfold and BIA methods produce results that are reliable and valid under specific conditions, the skinfold method is most preferred in measuring the %BF of athletes as it uses equations that factor in the exercise. It also shows gender-specific variability during the assessment of patients. BIA is accurate where errors associated with skinfold methods has to be overcome. References Esco, M. R., Nickerson, B. S., Fedewa, M. V., Moon, J. R., & Snarr, R. L. (2018). A novel method of utilizing skinfolds and bioimpedance for determining body fat percentage via a field-based three-compartment model. European journal of clinical nutrition , 1. Kaye, M., Riddell, M. A., Evans, R. G., Arabshahi, S., Srikanth, V. K., Kalyanram, K., ... & Thrift, A. G. (2016). Ps 11-29 Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (bia) Is A Simple And Accurate Way To Determine Percentage Of Body Fat In Studies Of Adults In Rural India. Journal of Hypertension , 34 , e341. Javed, A., Jumean, M., Murad, M. H., Okorodudu, D., Kumar, S., Somers, V. K., ... & Lopezâ€Jimenez, F. (2015). Diagnostic performance of body mass index to identify obesity as defined by body adiposity in children and adolescents: a systematic review and metaâ€analysis. Pediatric obesity , 10 (3), . Alicandro, G., Battezzati, A., Bianchi, M. L., Loi, S., Speziali, C., Bisogno, A., & Colombo, C. (2015). Estimating body composition from skinfold thicknesses and bioelectrical impedance analysis in cystic fibrosis patients. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis , 14 (6), .
