MEASUREMENT OF CHANGE IN TOTAL BODY FAT*

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Abstract
Comparison was made of 2 independent methods of estimating body fat changes in 8 patients studied under conditions of metabolic balance over periods from 20 to 158 days. Serial measurements of body fat were obtained by substituting values for body density (underwater weighing) and total body water into a single fat prediction equation. Change in total body fat, which ranged from a gain of 7.4 kg to a loss of 15.3kg, as determined densitometrically, was compared with variations in fat as determined by subtracting the sum of measured changes in protein and water from change in body weight. In the 8 studies there was no significiant difference in calculated [DELTA]fat as deter mined by the 2 methods (P> 0.90). Comparison of individual studies revealed differences that fell within the potential error of the methods. The close correlation between the 2 methods strengthens the validity of both and indicates that estimation of change in total body fat can be approached by readily available volume distribution and balance techniques.

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