In a time where much focus is put on weight and image, measuring body composition has become popular. There are several methods that can be used for measuring body fat percentage, including skinfold calipers, hydrostatic weighing and air displacement plethysmography. Learning body composition can help athletes who want to improve performance, measure effectiveness of a weight loss program, and can also be useful in research studies.
In the dietetics department at Missouri State, we have a Bod Pod machine which measures body volume, body mass, and body fat percent. Using air displacement, this measurement is reliable and quick, taking about five minutes to perform. We have been using the Bod Pod in conjunction with research for the Weight Watchers program, on community members who want to know their body fat percent, with the athletes at MSU, and in a variety of other projects.
The above picture shows one of our football players being measured. The Bod Pod looks like a space capsule, but is painless. Students in sports nutrition and exercise physiology classes have the opportunity to learn more about the Bod Pod and see a demonstration. It is important to remember, when discussing body composition, weight is one factor, but muscle mass and fat mass can also be good predictors of overall health.