Body composition

Question 0

Define ectomorphic.

Answer 0

A slim or linear body type.

Question 1

Define mesomorphic.

Answer 1

A muscular body type.

Question 2

Define endomorphic.

Answer 2

A fat or round body type.

Question 3

What is BMI?

Answer 3

Body mass index describes the relative weight for height.

Question 4

What are the cut-offs for waist circumference?

Answer 4

Men: >40 inches
Women: >35 inches

Question 5

What is the purpose for BMI and waist circumference?

Answer 5

They are predictors of future health risk. They do not effectively gauge overall body mass or composition (or changes in them). They do not measure a person’s overall health or fitness.

Question 6

Name the eight methods for measuring body fat.

Answer 6

DEXA, underwater weighing, potassium ion, bio electrical impedance, NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), ultrasound, NIR (near infrared interactance), and skinfold thickness.

Question 7

What are the three steps in taking a skinfold measurement?

Answer 7

1. Take measurements directly on the skin and the person should be standing. Measurements are taken from one side.
2. Take readings in triplicate. Use the average of the closest two readings.
3. Practice!

Question 8

What is essential fat?

Answer 8

Fat stored in the bone marrow, in nervous tissue, and muscle etc.

Question 9

What is storage fat?

Answer 9

Adipose tissue that stores fat as future energy.