National Health Goals Introduction Understanding and Interpreting Body Composition Measures - Body composition is considered a component of health-related fitness but can also be considered a component of metabolic fitness.
- Standards have been established for healthy levels of body fatness.
- Health standards have been established for the Body Mass Index.
- Assessing body weight too frequently can result in making false assumptions about body composition changes.
Methods Used to Assess Body Composition - Methods of body composition vary by accuracy and practicality.
- Dual-energy absorptiometry (DXA) has emerged as the accepted "gold standard" measure of body composition.
- Underwater weighing and Bod Pod are two highly accurate methods.
- Skinfold measurements are a preferred, practical method of assessing body fatness.
- Bioelectric impedance analysis has become a practical alternative for body fatness assessment.
- Infrared sensors are sometimes used to assess body fatness.
- BMI and other height-weight charts have limitations but are easy to use.
Health Risks Associated with Overfatness - Obesity contributes directly and indirectly to a number of major health problems.
- Obesity contributes to early death.
- Physical fitness provides protection from health risks of obesity.
- Excessive abdominal fat and excessive fatness of the upper body can increase the risk of various diseases.
Health Risks Associated with Excessively Low Body Fatness - Excessive desire to be thin or low in body can result in health problems.
- Anorexia nervosa is the most severe eating disorder. If untreated, it is life-threatening.
- Bulimia is a common eating disorder characterized by bingeing and purging.
- Anorexia athletica is a recently identified eating disorder that appears to be related to participation in sports and activities that emphasize body leanness.
- Female athlete triad is an increasingly common condition among female athletes.
- Muscle dysmorphia is an emerging problem among male athletes.
- Fear of obesity is a less severe condition, but it can still have negative health consequences.
The Origin of Overfatness - Obesity is a multifactorial disease that is influenced by both genetics and the environment.
- Body weight is regulated and maintained through complex regulatory processes.
- Fatness early in life leads to adult fatness.
- Changes in basal metabolic rate can be the cause of obesity.
- "Creeping obesity" is a problem as you grow older.
The Relationship between Physical Activity and Body Composition - A combination of regular physical activity and dietary restriction is the most effective means of losing body fat.
- Physical activity that can be sustained for relatively long periods is considered the most effective for losing body fat.
- Strength training can be effective in maintaining a desirable body composition.
- Regular physical activity is critical for building and maintaining bone health.
Strategies for Action - Doing a variety of self-assessments can help you make informed decisions about body composition.
- Self-assessment information—especially body composition information—is personal and confidential.
- Estimating your BMR can help you determine the number of calories you expend each day.
- Logging your daily activities can help you determine the number of calories you expend each day.
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