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The accuracy of a variety of in vivo body-composition techniques (densitometry, total body water, skinfold thicknesses, whole-body impedance and resistance, body mass index, and two three-compartment models) was assessed by comparison with fat balance. Three subjects were overfed and three underfed while confined to a 30-m3 whole-body calorimeter continuously for 12 d. Mean weight changes were +2.90 kg during overfeeding and -3.47 kg during underfeeding. The change in fat mass accounted for 37.1% during overfeeding and 59.3% during underfeeding. In comparison with energy and nitrogen balance, a three-compartment model yielded the least bias and greatest precision. The smallest change in fat mass that can be measured by such a method in an individual subject is 1.54 kg (2 SD). Of the prediction techniques considered, skinfold thicknesses or the body-mass-index formula appear to be more precise than estimates based on resistance or impedance.

Original publication

DOI

10.1093/ajcn/58.4.455

Type

Journal article

Journal

Am J Clin Nutr

Publication Date

10/1993

Volume

58

Pages

455 - 462

Keywords

Adolescent, Adult, Body Composition, Body Water, Body Weight, Calorimetry, Energy Intake, Energy Metabolism, Food Deprivation, Humans, Hyperphagia, Male, Oxidation-Reduction, Potassium, Skinfold Thickness