What is anthropometric? Analyzing Body Fat with Anthropometric Methods
Anthropometric Methods Of Fat Analysis
Just when you thought you knew everything there was to know about weight and fat analysis, something new comes along. In this case, it isn't anthropometric fat or bone density analysis however. While you may not be familiar with "anthropometric measurements" they are actually among the oldest tests used to learn more about body weight, fat, lean body mass, circumference, bone size and more.
Anthropometry works by using various measures including your weight, height, results of skin fold and other tests to predict total body composition, especially bone density composition. Healthcare providers can then use these measurements to estimate the percentage of adipose fat one carries around.
Why bother with this type of measurement today? This type of testing allows healthcare providers to learn more about a person based on their overall fitness level and body measurements.
How People Benefit From Anthropometric Methods
As with any test, anthropometric measurements can help you estimate how dense one's body is, and thus how much lean muscle and tissue you have in the body. Like other measurements it is not 100 percent accurate. However, knowing your body percentage or body "density" is useful for anyone trying to maintain or achieve a healthy weight.
You are probably already familiar with many of the anthropometric tools healthcare providers use to measure parts of the body including the skinfolds of the body.
Typically doctors use a formula to ascertain how fit a person is. This formula may include a measurement of body fat calculated by skin fold measurements, combined with measurements of the width or length of other parts of the body. Various formulas are applied to estimate the bone density of a person rather than the body fat percentage immediately.
Healthcare providers interested in learning about one's body fat percentage have to apply other formulas to the primary anthropometric formula to derive one's body fat percentage. Some now consider anthropometric methods and procedures outdated, because while convenient they do not provide as accurate a prediction of one's body fat as do other measures.
These measurements can however, provide you with an estimate of your overall health and wellness. This is especially true when your height, weight and girth are used to calculate your body mass index. Some providers combine these measurements with skinfold tests, however even these tests (which involve the use of calipers to measure body fat) are not entirely accurate. They only measure the surface layers of fat in the body.
Why Are Anthropometric Measurements Important?
Anthropometric measurements are a good tool for providing people with an overall "estimate" of how well their body is functioning. Using various models these measurements can provide information about body mass index, fat percentage, bone density and more. The equations used to provide estimates are sometimes time consuming and rely on statistical methods.
Fortunately, much of anthropometric measuring is now automated, making it easier than ever to use these less expensive measures to assess ones overall health. Keep in mind; these measurements aren't good for everyone. Some, including obese people, may find these measurements less accurate than others for assessing bone density and overall health.
Related Articles
Comments
Larry (not verified)
Tue, 09/13/2011 - 00:11
Permalink
Anthropometric Methods
Hmmm interesting article. Looks like it's not accurate depending on how obese you are. However, it seems like a good tool to give you an estimate of your body functions. I wouldn't mind finding out my measurements using this method.
shawn (not verified)
Sun, 12/18/2011 - 21:44
Permalink
where do I get an
where do I get an anthropometric tool?
Add new comment