Review article
Body composition: Assessment and clinical valueComposición corporal: estudio y utilidad clínica

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Abstract

Obesity control and prevention is a complex task that requires a thorough understanding of the physiological basis and body composition. In Spain, as in most countries, anthropometric criteria, such as weight, height, body mass index, skinfold thickness and body circumferences have traditionally been used to define obesity and general eating disorders, but these variables have little sensitivity for monitoring response to treatment. This is why evaluation of body composition may qualify this process. The aim of this paper was to review some relatively simple techniques to assess body composition and their clinical value in patients.

Resumen

El control y la prevención de la obesidad es una tarea compleja que requiere de un conocimiento profundo de las bases fisiológicas y la composición del organismo. En España, al igual que en la mayoría de los países, tradicionalmente se han utilizado criterios antropométricos, como los índices de peso, talla y el índice de masa corporal, para definir la obesidad y en general los trastornos alimentarios, pero estas variables poseen poca sensibilidad para monitorizar la respuesta al tratamiento, y es por eso que la evaluación de la composición corporal puede cualificar este proceso. El objetivo de este artículo es revisar algunas técnicas relativamente sencillas para evaluar la composición corporal y sus utilidades clínicas en los pacientes.

Introduction

Analysis of body composition is an essential part of the assessment of nutritional status. In order to define body composition, it is convenient to remember that Wang et al.1 defined it as the branch of human biology dealing with the in vivo quantification of body components, quantitative relations between components, and quantitative changes in components related to influencing factors.

On the other hand, according to Valtueña et al.,2 the study of body composition is indispensable for understanding the effects of diet, physical exercise, disease and physical growth, among other environmental factors, on our body.

Section snippets

Body composition models

The adequate analysis of body composition requires the delimitation of body composition as a function of its different components, resulting in different body compositions or compartmental models. Thus, Behnke3 proposed a model for analyzing body composition based on the application of the Archimedes principle, in which body weight was represented by two main components, fat mass and fat-free mass. From this bicompartmental model, Keys and Brozek4 developed a new one. These authors divided the

Two-component or bicompartmental model

The two-component or bicompartmental model is the most commonly used to analyze body composition in humans. This model assumes the division of body components into two compartments, total fat mass and fat-free mass, that is, the consideration of the two compartments at the molecular level.10 According to this model, the chemical characteristics and density of both compartments remain constant, with density for total fat mass being 0.9007 g/mL at a temperature of 36 °C.11 According to this model,

Anthropometrics as a method to assess body composition

A wide range of procedures are available for adequately measuring the body composition of subjects. According to González-Jiménez,20 the specificity of such procedures varies. While some of them allow us to assess the composition of a single body sector, others allow us to know the characteristics and constitution of more than one organic component. By taking these measurements, and subsequently using multiple regression equations, it is possible to infer the composition and proportions of the

Skinfolds

The quantification of body fat volume by measuring skinfolds is a highly useful method to test body composition. Because of its methodological simplicity, low cost, and non-invasive nature, it is widely used in both the clinical and epidemiological settings.23

It is a very helpful procedure for assessing the body composition of a subject. Since 27–42% of total body fat is confined to the subcutaneous level, the thickness of the subcutaneous fatty layer will optimally reflect the body composition

Conclusions

Excess body fat is related to cardiovascular problems such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and osteoarthritis. It is therefore essential that healthcare professionals (both nurses and physicians) are trained and updated on the use of these procedures. The early detection and diagnosis of severe conditions such as obesity and their impact on health, particularly in the younger population, depends to a certain extent on the

Conflicts of interest

The author states that he has no conflicts of interest.

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    Please cite this article as: González Jiménez E. Composición corporal: estudio y utilidad clínica. Endocrinol Nutr. 2013;60:69–75.

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