Sub 5: Body composition and Weight Control Flashcards
what are body composition measurements used to find?
the proportion of fat to lean muscle tissue in a person
what is densitometry?
the mass divided by the volume
fat has lower density than muscle
what is the siri equation used for?
to find percentage body fat
what is the siri equation?
495/density - 450
methods of finding body volume?
BODPOD - sophisticated equipment that measures air displacement caused by body
underwater weighing - water displacement to find body volume
skinfold thickness
BIA - bioelectrical impedance analysis - electrical resistance of the body to a small applied current, fat acts as an insulator
difficulties of finding body volume?
BODPOD - expensive
underwater weighing - some people may be unwilling to be completely immersed in water
skinfold thickness - unusual body fat distribution
BIA - overestimates in lean people and under in obese people
waist to hip ratio - divide the waist circumference by hip circumference
mid upper arm circumference - use it to compare to standard values (often used in famine relief to make quick decisions about which people to treat first)
how is BMI found?
found by dividing body mass by height squared
g/h2
what does BMI indicate?
whether a person is under or over weight
what is obesity?
severe excess of body fat and is characterised by a BMI of 30 and above
what is the best exercise for weight loss?
frequent, aerobic, moderate intensity and long duration
