Section
5
Assessing Adiposity
Summary of Methods Table
Table 1: Summary of methods to measure body composition from infancy through adolescence
Click below to enlarge.
Section
5
Table 1: Summary of methods to measure body composition from infancy through adolescence
Click below to enlarge.
Method | Age/weight limits | Indicators of weight status and excess adiposity/Estimate(s) of Body Fat | National Reference Data for U.S. Population of Children | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anthropometry Stature/ Recumbent Length and Weight | All ages |
| YES (birth and older) |
|
|
Anthropometry Skinfold Thicknesses | All ages |
| YES (ages 2 months and older) |
|
|
Anthropometry Waist Circumference | Recommended for ages 8 years and older |
| YES (ages 8 years and older) |
|
|
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) | All ages |
| NO |
|
|
Air Displacement Plethysmography (ADP) |
|
| NO |
|
|
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) | All ages (some instruments have an upper weight limit) |
| YES (ages 8 years and older) |
|
|