Case Study
As the current assistant director of the sports and fitness facility I work at, it is vital that
we are able to provide the participants with accurate information that they can learn from. There
are numerous variables to take into account when approaching the most appropriate methods of
calculating body composition and body fat percentages; things to consider would be cost,
convenience, accuracy, and practicality. After reviewing different options, I have been able to
come up with the top five methods for doing so.
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)
To properly measure a persons body fat percentage, small electrical currents can be used.
The bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) shows the amount of body fat by passing an
electrical current throughout the body and then measuring the resistance that comes with it
(Marra et al., 2019). A few benefits of this test is that it is very simple and painless and fairly
quick to receive the results (Marra et al., 2019). BIAs are typically available in commercial gyms
and fitness facilities. However, the outcome of the BIA can vary depending on the participants
body temperature, hydration levels, and also the operators knowledge (Ceniccola et al., 2019).
Having implanted devices, such as a pacemaker, can interfere with the current that is produced
from the BIA and therefore this test may not be appropriate for them. Another group of people
that should not participate in this test are pregnant women and people that have suffered from
cardiac issues in the past, without a doctors approval first (Marra et al., 2019). To receive the
most reliable results, it is advised that the participant cease consuming fluids prior to the test and
to fast overnight. These recommendations are given due to the change that liquids and foods can
cause within the results of the test. For example, by consuming a drink such as Body Armor prior
to the BIA, the current of the electrical impulse will show the level of hydration (Ceniccola et al.,
2019). This test is able to present a decent look on a persons body fat percentage based on the
resistance but does not directly measure the fat.
Skinfold Caliper Test
Another easy test to administer is the Skinfold Caliper Test. To perform this test, the
participant will have their skin pinched using a caliper which then establishes the depth of the
folds depending on the body part. Once the caliper has a reading of the skin fold, the number is
placed into a calculation to determine the body fat percentage. This test is extremely affordable,
fast, and very simple to provide within a facility; it does not require a controlled environment or
a specialist to perform (Osayande et al., 2018). One thing that is important to keep in mind while
performing this test is to operate the caliper in the same way each time to ensure the most
accurate results. Similar to the BIA test, hydration levels and body temperature can affect the test
results. For this specific test, men are typically measured at their thighs, waist and triceps,
whereas women are typically measured at their thighs, stomach, and breast (Ceniccola et al.,
2019). The proficiency and dependability of the person performing the test can drastically effect
the accuracy of the measurement. According to Osayande et al., it is strongly advised that the
same place be measured repeatedly when trying to determine the body fat percentage (Osayande
et al., 2018). In order to lessen the probability of error, it is vital to utilize the same person each
time. By using the same person each time to take the measurements, the test will be more
accurate (Osayande et al., 2018).
Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA)
Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry, also known as DXA, is one of the more precise
techniques to measure body fat percentage and body composition because it uses low-dose X-
rays. This test is referred to as the gold standard in calculating these things because it is a more
thorough assessment of the composition of the body because it is able to provide detailed ratios
of a persons fat, muscle, and bone. DXA is used to acquire perspective on a persons overall
health and to make decisions about their personal exercise goals (Marra et al., 2019). One
downside to the DXA method is the financial burden it can have on fitness facilities as it is more
on the expensive side compared to the approaches previously listed. Another factor to keep in
mind is that it does expose the body to miniscule amounts of radiation and depending on the skill
of the operator, the outcomes can vary (Marra et al., 2019). These machines offer a very good
understanding of body composition, but unfortunately require a decent amount of room, require
more maintenance and are not mobile.
Circumference Method
The circumference method is frequently utilized within fitness facilities to determine a
persons body fat percentage and body composition. Within this test, measurements from the
persons waist, hips, and neck are used to determine the body fat percentage. This method of
testing is extremely affordable as the only equipment needed is a measuring tape (George et al.,
2021). The circumference method is a great way to provide participants of the facility with a
more comfortable approach as it does not require having their body weight measured and it is
least invasive. This method of testing is a great option for facilities that are just starting and do
not have the funds or resources for the more expensive options, and it also requires very little
training to perform (George et al., 2021).
Hydrostatic Weighing method
Lastly, a popular method to determine body fat percentage and body composition is
hydrostatic weighing. This test weighs the persons body while being submerged under water.
Once the weight is determined, the body density is projected in order to calculate the ratio of
body fat (Wells et al., 2020). Hydrostatic weighing is commonly used in settings such as medical
or academic because it is the standard for analyzing body fat percentage within the industry
(Ceniccole et al., 2019). This form of testing also analyzes data on bone density, lean body mass,
and muscle mass. The knowledge that is provided via hydrostatic weighing would be very
beneficial to anybody that is interested in discovering more about their body composition. Along
with the DXA method, hydrostatic weighing is not easily accessible by certain facilities due to
the fact that it does require more specialized equipment and staff that are knowledgeable on
using the equipment (Wells et al., 2020). This method of testing also may not be accessible for
those who have physical limitations or a fear of water.
To sum it all up, these tests will vary from facility to facility based on their financial
means, the staff they have, and the equipment they are able to receive. The most cost-friendly
method would be the circumference method, whereas the most expensive method would be the
DXA or Hydrostatic Weighing method. When administering these tests to the members of the
facility, it is crucial to keep the tester constant in order to prevent measurement error. There are
multiple different ways to provide this information to the members of the facility and it is an
important tool to offer as many members of fitness facilities would be intrigued to track their
body fat percentage and body composition.
Ashley McCord, L31654840
References:
Ceniccola, G. D., Castro, M. G., Piovacari, S. M. F., Horie, L. M., Corrêa, F. G., Barrere, A. P.
N., & Toledo, D. O. (2019). Current technologies in body composition assessment:
advantages and disadvantages. Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.), 62, 25–
31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2018.11.028
George, B. G., Pruziner, A. L., & Andrews, A. M. (2021). Circumference Method Estimates
Percent Body Fat in Male US Service Members with Lower Limb Loss. Journal of the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 121(7), 1327–1334.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2021.02.009
Marra, M., Sammarco, R., De Lorenzo, A., Iellamo, F., Siervo, M., Pietrobelli, A., Donini, L.M.,
Santarpia, L., Cataldi, M., Pasanisi, F., & Contaldo, F. (2019). Assessment of Body
Composition in Health and Disease Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) and
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA): A Critical Overview. Contrast Media &
Molecular Imaging, 2019, 3548284. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/3548284
Osayande, O. E., Azekhumen, G. N., & Obuzor, E. O. (2018). A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF
DIFFERENT BODY FAT MEASURING INSTRUMENTS. Nigerian Journal Of
Physiological Sciences: Official Publication Of The Physiological Society Of Nigeria,
33(2), 125–128.
Wells, A. D., Bellovary, B. N., Houck, J. M., Ducharme, J. B., Masoud, A. A., Gibson, A. L., &
Mermier, C. M. (2020). New Multisite Bioelectrical Impedance Device Compared to
Hydrostatic Weighing and Skinfold Body Fat Methods. International Journal Of
Exercise Science, 13(4), 1718–1728.
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