Body composition is very simply separating the body into components; the fat free portion, which consists of muscle, bones, organs, connective tissue (basically everything but fat), and the fat tissue (adipose) component. Higher percentages of body fat are associated with conditions such as a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors known as metabolic syndrome (characterized by insulin resistance and a high risk for developing Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease). Excess fat can also be associated with gall stones, sleep apnea, complications during pregnancy, and psychological disorders such as depression, among others. Keeping your percentage of body fat in an acceptable range is the first step in preventing further health complications and consequences.

There are various methods for measuring body fat percentage that vary in accuracy, cost, and access to equipment. These methods include Hydrostatic weighing, skinfold measurements, waist to hip ratio or waist circumference measurement, and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis.

The "gold standard" for measuring body composition is Hydrostatic or underwater weighing. It is based on the principle of buoyancy. Because bone and muscle are more dense than fat, a person with greater fat free mass weighs more underwater, even if they are they same weight on a scale. The individual is suspended from a scale over a tank and instructed to forcefully expire all of his or her air out. While submerged the individual holds their breath while the weight is recorded. A formula is used based on recorded underwater weight to determine body fat percentage. Error has been measured to be between 2-3%. Sources of error come from not fully expiring all the air from the lungs upon submersion in the tank, and variability in bone density among individuals. The major setbacks for this method are equipment and technicians are difficult to find (usually found in an exercise physiology lab at a college or university).

Skinfold measurement is a common and inexpensive method to determine percent body fat. The technique assumes a relationship between subcutaneous (fat under the skin) and overall body fat. The measurement technique involves using the thumb and index finger to grasp a fold of skin 1 cm above the site being measured and placing the caliper jaws perpendicular to the fold. Generally, 9 different sites are measured and the results are used in a prediction equation that takes into account age, gender, and ethnicity. This method

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