Body Composition Flashcards
How is body composition assessed?
Assessment of the varying components of FFM compared to FM
BMI = mass (kg)/height (m2)
BMI range = 18.5-24.9
Alternate height measure to estimate BMI = ulnar length, knee height calliper, demi span
Also measure weight using mid-upper arm circumference - indicates changes in body weight over time
What factors effect body composition?
Biological: age, sex, genetics, ethnicity, menopausal state
Lifestyle: diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol
Health-related factors: presence of disease, genetic predisposition
Biometric: height, fat, muscle distribution
Environment
What are the different body types?
Ectomorph = lean + angular, long limbs, slim, narrow waist, low body fat levels, easy to lose weight but difficult to gain LBM Mesomorph = strong athletic, muscular, slim hips, fast metabolism, gain muscle mass + lose weight easily Endomorph = round short tapering limbs, larger boned, plump/stocky appearance, higher body fat, easily build muscle but weight loss difficult
What are the methods for measuring body composition?
Anthropometry
Densitometry
Bioelectrical impedance
Imaging techniques
What is malnutrition?
A state of nutrition in which a deficiency or excess/imbalance of energy, protein and other nutrients causes measurable adverse effects of tissue/body form and function and clinical outcome
What is the incidence of malnutrition?
34% patients on wards in UK
5% total UK adult population
More common <65y
What tool is used to screen for malnutrition?
M.U.S.T = malnutrition, universal screening tool - developed by BAPEN and used by all hospitals to screen patients admitted to hospital within 24h
What is cachexia?
Condition of abnormally low weight, weakness and general bodily decline associated with chronic disease. Associated with disproportionate loss of skeletal muscle rather than body fat.
It is unintentional weight loss due to wasting syndrome and symptoms include: weight loss, muscle atrophy, fatigue, weakness, appetite loss
