MEASURES OF BODY FAT AND HYDRATION IN ADOLESCENT BOYS

Abstract

A study of total body fat by simultaneously performing a variety of measurements of adiposity on each of 66 adolescent boys is described. Estimates of total body fat by densitometry indicate a 50% loss of body fat's contribution to total body weight from 12 to 18 years. Total body water, as measured by deuterium oxide, increases from 61% at age 12 years to 65% at age 18 years. Fat loss from this measurement closely parallels the fat changes estimated from densitometry. Lean body mass, hydration and adiposity appear to reach adult values at the sixteenth year. Subcutaneous fat measured by soft tissue x-rays films of the arm shows a similar fat loss, and of the same magnitude, when compared to densitometry and total body water estimates of fat. The triceps skinfold has a high correlation in estimating losses in fat during adolescence. The skinfold technique at this site provided a practical and accurate estimate of adiposity in adolescent boys.