Body Composition

Question 1

At what age is fat composition at its highest?

Answer 1

1 year old

Question 2

What is the difference between essential and non-essential fats?

Answer 2

Essential fats (Omega-3 and Omega-6) are fats that are required by the body but cannot be synthesised by the body, so must be obtained from food. Non-essential fats can be made in the body.

Question 3

List the 3 components of fat free mass with percentages.

Answer 3

72% water

21% protein

7% bone minerals

Question 4

List the 2 components of fat mass with percentages.

Answer 4

80% adipose tissue

20% water

Question 5

Describe the characteristics of brown fat cells in terms of mitochondria, lipid droplets, protein, and function.

Answer 5

Many mitochondria

Multilocular lipid droplets

Uncoupling protein 1 present

Thermogenesis

Question 6

Describe the characteristics of white fat cells in terms of mitochondria, lipid droplets, protein, and function.

Answer 6

Few mitochondria

Unilocular lipid droplets

Uncoupling protein 1 absent

Energy storage

Question 7

Describe the android body type in terms of increased health risks, obesity area, and whether it is usually found in males or females.

Answer 7

Increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders

upper body obesity (stomach)

Usually found in males

Question 8

Describe the gynoid body type in terms of increased health risks, obesity area, and whether it is usually found in males or females.

Answer 8

Increased risk of joint disorders

Lower body obesity (hips)

Usually found in females

Question 9

What items of clothing should children and infants be weighed in?

Answer 9

Children should be weighed in their underwear and infants should be weighed without any clothing

Question 10

What is a restriction of using BMI?

Answer 10

Does not take into account components of body composition

Question 11

How can dehydration affect bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)?

Answer 11

Dehydration leads to reduced water content in the tissue. This increases the body’s electrical resistance, which can lead to an overestimation of body fat and an underestimation of fat-free mass.

Question 12

What are the 4 key issues that result from being overweight or obese?

Answer 12

Reduction in life expectancy

Less likely to be employed

Discrimination and stigma

Increased risk of hospitalisation