Anthropometry, the science of body composition analysis, makes use of dozens of methods for measuring and comparing human body types. While many complicated measurement systems are used, such as the somatotype distribution index and the O-scale physique index, several commonly used measurements are easy to do at home. Included among these are the body fat percentage, the waist-to-hip ratio, the body mass index and the androgyny index.
Body Fat Percentage
Our bodies are composed of a variety of tissue types, including muscle, bone, tendons and ligaments, skin, internal organs and fat. Anatomists, exercise physiologists and health professionals classify human tissues into one of two categories: lean and fat. Although fat serves several important functions in the body, excess levels create well-known health risks. One important measure of body shape is the body fat percentage analysis. For men, body fat percentage should fall between 15 percent and 20 percent, and for women, between 20 percent and 24 percent. You can determine your own body fat percentage (see Resources).
Waist-to-Hip Ratio
The waist-to-hip ratio is used to determine where fat is stored in the body. Humans store body fat in one of two primary places: the abdominal region (belly fat) or the hips and buttocks (gluteal fat). People who store body fat in the abdominal region will have higher waist-to-hip ratios, generally falling between 0.85 and 1.00. Those who store fat in the gluteal region will have waist-to-hip ratios of between 0.70 and 0.85.
Body Mass Index
The body mass index is perhaps the most commonly used indicator of body shape and is calculated using a person's height and weight measurements. BMI measurement of less than 19 indicate that a person is underweight while BMI measurements larger than 26 indicate too much body fat. You can calculate your own body mass index with a simple on-line calculator (see Resources).
Somatotype Distribution Index
The somatotype distribution index classifies body shape as either endomorphic, mesomorphic or ectomorphic. Endomorphic body types are characterized by high amounts of fat and relatively little muscularity. Mesomorphic body types have high levels of muscularity with little fat. The ectomorphic body type is one with relatively low amounts of fat and muscle.
Androgyny Index
Well-proportioned individuals have a tapered torso with broad, wide shoulders and a narrow waist. This characteristic body shape is reflected in the androgyny index, which is calculated from measurements of shoulder and waist width.
References
- "Exercise Science: Understanding and Evaluating Physical Fitness and Health"; Warren Rosenberg Ph.D. and Ciaran Cullen D.C.; 2008
- "Body Composition and Physical Performance: Applications for the Military Services"; Bernadette M. Marriott and Judith Grumstrup-Scott; 1990
- Livestrong: Body Fat Calculator
- Livestrong: Body Mass Index
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