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2

What You Will Do

Analyze methods of measuring body composition.

Define ranges of healthy body fat percentages for teens.

Identify tools that are used in computing body composition.

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Terms to Know

girth calipers

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Evaluating Your Body Composition

It is important to be aware that every method of measuring body composition is to some degree innacurate.

If your body fat measurement is borderline for any test, consult a health care professional.

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Body Circumference

The body-circumference test measures girth.

Girth

The distance around a body part.

Term to Know

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Body Circumference

Body fat is stored differently in males and females.

In males, body fat accumulates around the waist.

In females, body fat accumulates around the hips.

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Body Circumference

To measure body circumference, males should follow these steps:

Measure your weight in pounds.

Measure your girth at the waistline.

Use the body fat percentage chart on page 160 to determine your percentage of body fat.

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Body Circumference

To measure body circumference, females should follow these steps:

Measure your height.

Measure the girth of your hips at the widest point.

Use the body fat percentage chart on page 160 to determine your percentage of body fat.

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Evaluating Body Circumference

Once you have determined your percentage of body fat, you can evaluate your body fat score.

If you do not score in the acceptable-to-most-desirable health zones, in Figure 5.10, page 161, try to improve your body composition.

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Skinfold Measures

Another method used to evaluate body composition is skinfold measurement using calipers.

Calipers

Tweezerlike device used to pinch a

fold of skin surrounding

adipose tissue.

Term to Know

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Lesson 3 Review

1. Recall Name two approaches for measuring body composition.

2. Vocabulary What are calipers used for?

3. Recall What is a healthy body-fat percentage for teen males? For teen females?

Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary

1. Recall

Any two of the following: body circumference, skinfold, underwater weighing, bioelectrical impedance, and MRIs.

2. Vocabulary

Calipers are used for measuring percentage of body fat.

3. Recall

Males, 7-20%; females, 12-15%.

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