History of the U.S. Navy Body Composition program

Area of Science:

• Naval Health Research
• Body Composition Analysis
• Anthropometry

Background:

• Current Navy body composition assessment relies on weight-for-height tables and multiple circumference measurements.
• Sailors report dissatisfaction with the accuracy of existing body fat prediction methods.
• The Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) has investigated alternative body composition analysis techniques.

Observation:

• A 2012 NHRC study explored the feasibility of using a single abdominal circumference (AC) measurement.
• The Air Force and National Institutes of Health (NIH) utilize a single AC measurement at the iliac crest for body composition and mortality risk assessment.
• NHRC proposes using the umbilicus for AC measurement due to ease of identification and reduced invasiveness.

Findings:

• The proposed method involves a single AC measurement at the umbilicus.
• Recommended cutoff values are 40 inches for males and 36 inches for females.
• This approach aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the Navy's Body Composition Analysis program.

Implications:

• Transitioning to a single AC measurement could streamline the assessment process.
• Improved accuracy may lead to more precise health and fitness evaluations for naval personnel.
• This initiative aligns with methods used by other federal health organizations.