The Utility of Body Composition Assessment in Nutrition and Clinical Practice: An Overview of Current Methodology - PubMed (original) (raw)

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The Utility of Body Composition Assessment in Nutrition and Clinical Practice: An Overview of Current Methodology

Clifton J Holmes et al. Nutrients. 2021.

Abstract

Body composition is a key component for maintaining good general health and longevity. It can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle choices. The assessment of body composition is an essential tool for nutrition specialists to effectively evaluate nutritional status and monitor progression during dietary interventions. As humans age, there is a natural increase in fat mass coupled with a gradual decline in lean mass, specifically in bone and muscle mass. Individuals with a high body fat percentage are at a greater risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, several types of cancer, and early mortality. Significant decreases in bone mineral density signify osteopenia and osteoporosis, while reductions in skeletal muscle mass increase the risk of developing sarcopenia. Moreover, undernutrition exacerbates the effects of many medical conditions and is important to address. Though weight tracking and calculation of BMI are used commonly by clinicians and dietitians, these measures do not provide insight on the relative contributions of fat mass and fat-free mass or the changes in these compartments that may reflect disease risk. Therefore, it is important that healthcare professionals have a critical understanding of body composition assessment and the strengths and limitations of the methods available.

Keywords: anthropometrics; bioimpedance; nutritional status; obesity; osteoporosis; sarcopenia.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1

Skinfold measurement at triceps site; photo courtesy of Clifton J. Holmes, PhD.

Figure 2

Figure 2

Laboratory-based bioimpedance device; photo courtesy of Clifton J. Holmes, PhD.

Figure 3

Figure 3

Home-based bioimpedance device; photo courtesy of Clifton J. Holmes, PhD.

Figure 4

Figure 4

Air displacement plethysmography via BOD POD; photo courtesy of Clifton J. Holmes, PhD, in conjunction with the Pediatric Clinical Research Unit at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Figure 5

Figure 5

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; photo courtesy of Clifton J. Holmes, PhD, in conjunction with the Clinical Translational Research Unit at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Figure 6

Figure 6

Positron Emission Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner; photo courtesy of the Center for Clinical Imaging Research in the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Figure 7

Figure 7

Hydrostatic weighing; photo courtesy of Clifton J. Holmes, PhD, in conjunction with the Exercise Physiology Laboratory in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.

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