Bodyweight Measurements

Question 1

How does underwater weighing work?(3)

Answer 1

Subject expels air from lungs
They are then lowered into into a tank
Underwater weight is then recorded

Question 2

What are some limitations of underwater weighing?(3)

Answer 2

Required trained technician
May not work with extremely obese people
Mainly used for research

Question 3

Which method is considered the most accurate?

Answer 3

Underwater weighing

Question 4

Explain how skinfold works (2)

Answer 4

Involves the pinching of skin and its underlying fat, at various locations of the body

Question 5

Limitations of skinfold (2)

Answer 5

Les accurate unless technician is well trained

Cannot be used to measure obese people as their skin fold is too large

Question 6

Explain bioelectrical impedance analysis (3)

Answer 6

Involves sending electrical currents through a persons body
Water is a good conductor of electricity and lean body mass is made up of mainly water.
The rate at which the electricity is conducted gives an indication of lean body/ body fat

Question 7

Limitations of BIA (3)

Answer 7

Less accurate
Body fluid levels must be normal
Females should not be measured if they are retaining water due to menstrual cycle changes

Question 8

Explain DEXA

Answer 8

Uses x-rays to differentiate between types of tissue

Question 9

Limitations of DEXA (5)

Answer 9

Expensive
Requires trained technician
Cannot be used on extremely short, tall or obese people

Question 10

Explain bod pod

Answer 10

Machine that uses air displacement to measure body comp

Question 11

Benefits of Skinfold

Answer 11

Simple

Cheap

Question 12

Benefits of BIA (2)

Answer 12

Simple and quick procedure

Question 13

Benefits of bod pod (4)

Answer 13

Accurate
Easy to use
Fast test time
Can be used on obese

Question 14

Benefits of DEXA

Answer 14

Accurate

Question 15

Limitations of bod pod (2)

Answer 15

Expensive

Less accurate in some populations (AA men)