Measurements of Adiposity and Body Composition

Abstract This chapter begins with a brief overview of the “reference” body-composition methods, including underwater weighing, dilution methods, whole-body potassium counting, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It then discusses bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and the validity of anthropometric measures, particularly self-reported height, weight, waist, and hip circumference in epidemiologic research. The chapter also discusses ethnic differences in body composition and their implications for epidemiologic research. Finally, it examines statistical models and their interpretation in the analysis of various measures of adiposity in relation to morbidity and mortality.