REVISED BODY COMPOSITION LAB

Name: Lindsay Field

Directions: Please answer questions and complete lab report on this Word document and upload back
into Blackboard. Please save the file as “YOUR NAME BODY COMP LAB.docx”. Note there are several
parts to this lab and online videos to watch. Please save the excel file with your data calculations and
graphs as your name body comp data.xlsx and upload into Blackboard.

Requirements:
1. Read the entire lab
2. Read Chapter 16 of our textbook
3. Complete Part 1 and Part 2 with your data, and submit in this lab. Look up a category or ranking.
4. Complete Part 3 with pretend underwater weighing data and submit in this lab.
5. Complete Part 4b with pretend skin fold data. Calculate an average skin fold then complete equation
calculations and submit in this lab.
6. Complete Part 5 attached data for percent body fat using BIA technique. Complete calculations and
graphs in excel and submit the excel file along with this lab report.
7. Complete Part 6 which is your written lab report.

INTRODUCTION

It is easy to divide the body into two categories of tissue: lean tissue and fat tissue. Lean tissue is
comprised of muscle, bone, skin, organs, blood, etc., while fat tissue is composed of fat (whoa, surprised
ya there!). Please do not hold the stereotype that fat is “bad tissue to have”, as fat has some very
essential roles in our bodies (such as cushioning, insulation, as an energy source and as a critical
component of cell membranes and nervous tissue). Do not be fooled however into thinking that fat is
great. Excess body fat has been linked with cardiovascular disease, strokes, adult-onset diabetes, colon
cancer, arthritis, etc.

The absolute best method to determine your body composition is very final - it involves cutting you open
to directly measure the amount of fat in your body. Not surprisingly, this is not considered an acceptable
technique. Therefore, any other techniques used measure body composition indirectly.

A long-time “gold standard” for estimating body composition is called hydrostatic weighing (commonly
referred to as underwater weighing). An individual’s water weight will usually be <10% of their dry
weight. The greater the water weight, the leaner the person will be calculated to be (since fat tissue is
more buoyant than lean tissue). Since hydrostatic weighing has numerous drawbacks (time,
mathematical calculations, hygiene, etc.), it is rarely a practical alternative. In more recent years, air
displacement plethysmography (COSMED’s BOD POD is the most popular brand) has begun to replace
hydrostatic weighing. However, due to their cost, they are not readily available to most health
professionals. We are fortunate to have a BOD POD at the Student Life Center.
There are other measurements, which to us have their advantages. The waist-to-hip ratio is a good
indicator of cardiovascular risk, since fat stored in the abdominal area is easily mobilized, leading to
coronary artery disease. The more fat that is stored in the abdominal area, the greater the waist to hip
ratio.

Skinfolds are a great way to measure the subcutaneous fat stored by the body. For skin fold
measurement, a wide variety of formulas exist with which to estimate percent body fat. Be careful not
to become attached to a certain formula; each is very specific to a certain population. Rather, keeping
track of actual skinfold thickness is a more internally valid way to measure changes in body composition.

A final note: body composition is a very sensitive issue for most individuals. You need to have maturity
and sensitivity when dealing with this issue. Be sure to keep results confidential and avoid making any
judgments on your subjects.

BIOELETRICAL IMPEDANCE
WHAT IS IT? BIA is a technique to estimate body composition based on electrical conductivity of various
tissues.

WHAT IS IMPEDANCE? Impedance is a measure of how current is slowed or stopped as it passes through
a material. It has two components: Resistance (R) and Reactance (Xc). Resistance is the measure of the
amount of electrical current a substance will stop. Impedance is greatest in fat tissues, which contains
only 10-20% water, while fat-free mass, which contains 70-75% water, allows the signal to pass much
easier.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Simply explained, BIA measures the impedance or resistance to the signal as it
travels through the water found in muscle and fat. The more muscle a person has the more water their
body can hold. The greater the amount of water in a person's body, the easier it is for the current to
pass through it. The greater the amount of fat in the body the more resistance there is to the current.
BIA is safe and it does not hurt.

Calculations for MALES:

7-Site Formula: (S7 = sum of all seven sites)

Body Density = 1.112 — (.00043499)(S7) + (.00000055)(S7) 2 — (.00028826) (age)
% Fat = (495/Body Density) - 450

4-Site Formula (abdomen, suprailiac, thigh, tricep): (e.g. S4=sum of all four sites)

% Fat = (0.29288)(S4) — (0.0005)(S4)2 + (0.15845)(age) — 5.76377  

 
Use 3-ste for our lab
3-Site Formula (abdomen, suprailiac, thigh): (e.g. S3=sum of all three sites)

% Fat = (.39287)(S3) — (.00105)(S3)2 + (.15772)(age) — 5.18845

 
2-Site Formula (abdomen, thigh)
*This is probably only accurate with trained athletes!
% Fat = (S2)/2

  Calculations for FEMALES

7-Site Formula: (e.g. S7 = sum of all seven sites)
Body Density = 1.0970 — (.00046971)(S7) + (.00000056)(S7) 2 — (.00012828) (age)
% Fat = (495/Body Density) - 450

4-Site Formula (abdomen, suprailiac, thigh, tricep): (e.g. S4=sum of all four sites)

% Fat = (0.29669)(S4) — (0.00043)(S4)2 + (0.02963)(age) + 1.40 72

 
Use 3 site for our lab
3-Site Formula (abdomen, suprailiac, tricep): (e.g. S3=sum of all three sites)

% Fat = (.41563)(S3) — (.00112)(S3)2 + (.03661)(age) + 4.03653

 
2-Site Formula (abdomen, thigh)
*This is probably only accurate with trained athletes!
% Fat = (S2)/2

BODY COMPOSITION DATA SHEET

1. Waist-to-Hip Ratio: measure the circumference of the body at the level of the umbilicus (the waist),
and at the level of the greatest circumference around the pelvis (hips). Divide the waist score by the hip
score to determine the ratio. Compare to norm charts. Take your own measurements and enter here.
Find a tape measure at home or a string and simply measure the length of the string

Waist Circumference: _49.50_______ Hip Circumference: ___49.0_______

Waist-to-Hip Ratio: ____1.01______ Category: __high risk________

2. Body Mass Index (BMI): measure your height and weight (without shoes). Be sure that
measurements are done in the SI (metric) system. Calculate BMI and compare to norm charts.

BMI = weight (in kg) / [height (in meters)2]

BMI = 121.47kg / 1.70^2
= 121.47/2.89
= 42.03
 BMI: ___42.03_______ Category: ____obese______

3. Hydrostatic Weighing: _____0%______ %

a. Watch YouTube video about Hydrostatic Weighting Test Video

b. Calculations of pretend data

Given Data
Dry Weight: 200 lbs
Average of 10 Submerged weights: 5lbs
Age: 23
Height: 74 inches
Water Temperature: 25 degrees Celsius

Complete the Math and make space below and type out all work for hydrostatic weighing using the
equations and data above.
Your Math here:

RV = (0.009 x 23) + (0.032 x 187.96)

= .207 + 6.01
= 6.22 L
Body Density = Wa / (Wa-Ww/Dwater) – (RV +.1)
= 90.7185/(90.7185 – 2.26796/ .997074) – (6.22 + .1)
 =90.7185/ 88.45054 – 6.32
= 90.7185/82.13054
= 1.10
BF% = 495/body density – 450 x 100
= 495/1.10 – 450 x 100
= 450 – 450 x100
= 0 x 100
= 0%

4. Skin fold Sites (all performed on the right side of the body):

a. Skinfold site explanations. See exrx.net for good pictures and explanations. Watch skin fold
video here.

*Abdomen = a vertical fold taken 2 cm lateral to the umbilicus.

Chest = a diagonal fold taken in line with the anterior axillary crease and the nipple. Should be half of the
distance from the anterior axillary crease and the nipple for men, 1/3 of the distance for women.

Midaxillary = a vertical fold taken at the intersection of lines drawn vertically form the anterior axillary
crease and horizontally from the xyphoid process

Subscapular = a diagonal fold taken parallel to the inferior angle of the scapula. The inferior angle of the
scapula is often found by having the subject place their right hand behind their back.

*Suprailiac = a diagonal fold taken above the iliac crest, in the midaxillary line (there is usually a natural
fold here).

*Thigh = a vertical fold taken at the midpoint between the inguinal crease and the proximal border of
the patella. Usually, having the subject stand with the right leg on a chair makes the site identification
easier).

*Tricep = a vertical fold taken at the midpoint of the acromion process and the olecranon process, with
the arm relaxed. Often, having the arm in the ‘karate-chop’ position makes olecranon process
identification easier.

b. Percent body fat calculation using pretend data

Measurements 1 (mm) 2 (mm) 3 (mm) Average (mm)

Abdominal 20 22 19 20.33
Suprailiac 16 18 15 16.33
 Thigh 12 10 11 11
Tricep 8 9 10 9

** Be sure to use the correct equation (Male/Female) and SHOW YOUR WORK WITH PROPER UNITS!!

% Fat = (.41563)(S3) — (.00112)(S3)2 + (.03661)(age) + 4.03653

S3 = 20.33 +16.33 + 9
= 45.66

% Fat = (.41563)(45.66mm) – (.00112)(45.66mm)^2 + (.03661)(20) + 4.03653

= 18.92 – (.00112)(2,084.84) + .7322 + 4.03653
= 18.92 – 2.34 + 4.79
= 21.37
3-SITE CALCULATION: ______21.37%____________% BF

5. Compare male and female body fat (%), fat mass (kg) and fat free mass in kg (also known as Lean
body mass) from attached data. Data were collected from another class using handheld BIA method.
Watch video.

a. Using the attached data sheet, calculate using Excel commands the body weight in kg (convert),
the fat free mass (kg) and the fat mass (kg) of each subjects.
b. Then, using Excel commands, calculate an average for the females and an average for the
males.
c. Then, using Excel commands, calculate a standard deviation (stdev) for the females and an
standard deviation (stdev) for the males.
d. Make a bar graph with average male and average female +- stdev for percent body fat (%)
e. Make another bar graph with average male and average female +- stdev for fat free mass (kg)

6. Your lab report here. Write this portion of the lab report ONLY for the BIA technique and percent
body fat of college age males and females using the attached data set.

Body Composition
 Lindsay Field
June 20th, 2020
Summer 2020 Exercise Physiology
Introduction:
Bioelectrical impedance analysis or BIA is one method we can use to measure body composition,

or how much of our body is made up of fat versus muscle. It is based on differentiating electrical

conductivity among different the different tissues in the body. The materials picked up on a BIA include,

fat, muscle as well as water weight. Knowing how much of your body is made of each material can help

better track specific weight loss. BIA can be more important than you may think. Besides tracking weight

loss and knowing body composition, BIA can tell a person if they are at risk for diabetes and heart

disease. This non-invasive test for body composition can life changing.

Purpose/Background:

In this lab we are looking at body composition, specifically the amount of weight that is made up

of fat mass and fat free mass. Fat free mass could include muscles as well as water weight. We looked at

a group of individuals in college, both males and females. We looked at the average and standard

deviation of both males and females. We measured body composition through BIA. BIA is measured
through impedance, impedance measures the slowing or stopping of the electrical current as it passes

through different materials. There are two parts of impedance, one is resistance and the other is reactance.

Resistance measures the how much of a current a certain material will stop. Of all the body tissues, fat

will record the highest impedance, this is because fat mass contains only 10-20% water. Current goes

through water the easiest so, fat free mass has much less resistance. The current given off is not painful at

all, BIA can be taken with wires attached at the hand that send a current down your leg, or there are

handheld BIA devices. We used the handheld BIA method for this lab, this is simple and a lot cheaper

than many other body composition measurement methods.

Hypothesis and Purpose Statement:

It is understood, that males typically have more muscle mass, therefore less fat mass than females.

While there are some exceptions this is a widely accepted theory. Provided with this theory, this lab

should result in the males having lower body fat percentages, and higher amounts of fat free mass than the

females. This lab will support or deny this theory, as well as show the difference in scores among college

students when looking at the standard deviation. The purpose of this lab was to compare body fat

percentage and fat free mass between male and female college students.

Materials:

 A weight scale

 A measuring tape

 Handheld BIA device

 Materials to record data

Procedure:

1. Have all participants measure their height and record it

2. Have all participants measure their weight and record it

3. Have participants choose a handheld BIA device

 4. Turn device on

5. Have participant choose guest setting

6. Have participant choose normal or athletic setting based off of the devices provided rubric

7. Have participant choose metric or US measurement system

8. Participant will enter their previously recorded height

9. Participant will enter their previously recorded weight

10. Participant will hold the device with their palms around the electrodes, and thumbs resting at the

top of the monitor

11. Participant will hold their arms straight out

12. Participant will then press the start button

13. Once done, the device will display the participants BMI as well as their body fat percentage, and if

their what zone their fat percentage is in.

14. Participants will record their results and turn them in

15. Then the will clear the device and allow the next participant to use it.

Results:

Weight Fat Free

Category Lbs Weight Kg Body Fat Mass Fat Mass
Average
female 133.23 60.43 20.05 48.17 12.2636725
Stdev female 16.35 7.42 4.25 5.03 3.65132589
Average Male 182.58 82.82 14.91 70.16 12.66
Stdev Male 28.09073 12.7417387 5.574284444 8.885365 6.159618
 Body Fat %
25.00
20.05
20.00
14.91
15.00
%

10.00
5.57
4.25
5.00

0.00
1 2 3 4
F Avg. F SDEV M Avg. M SDEV

Fat Free Mass

80.00 70.16
60.00 48.17
Kilograms

40.00
20.00 8.89
5.03
0.00
1 2 3 4
F Avg. F SDEV M Avg. M SDEV

Discussion:

As expected, males had lower body fat percentages and higher fat free mass values. On average

males had 14.91% body fat. This is a little over 5% less than females who averaged at 20.05% body fat.

On average males 70.16 kilograms of fat free mass, this surpassed the average females, fat free mass by

over 20 kilograms. The average college aged female had 48.17 kilograms of fat free mass. These results

supported my hypothesis and the ongoing theory that males carry less fat and more muscle than females.

The only question that came up was why were the males standard deviations always higher than the

females. Standard deviation measure the variation of a group of numbers from the average or peak

number. Males had higher standard deviations, therefore more variation. This could be an interesting

factor to look into.