Body Composition, its Significance and Models for Assessment

The term Body Composition is used to illustrate the different components that, when taken together, makes up a person`s body weight. For analysis of body composition it is often suitable to think of the body as made of two components: fat and non-fat. The non-fat portion is called "fat free mass" or "lean body mass". However, body can be taken into different compartment models for body composition assessments. It depends upon the compartment of interest, availability of techniques, technical training of staff, condition of patient / subject and location where assessment will be done i.e., laboratory / clinic or field / remote site. Body Composition is a tool for diagnosis as it may be significantly altered in many disorders like Anorexia and obesity, Renal failure, Liver disorders: Ascites, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Cancer and AIDS associated wasting, Burns and trauma, Congestive heart failure, Spinal cord injuries and Osteoporosis. This paper describes various models in use for body composition assessment and scope of their utility.