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Relationship between body composition and the components of somatotype
W W Bolonchuk1,2, C B Hall1, H C Lukaski1
1U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Grand Forks Human Nutrition, Research Center, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202.
Summary
This study reveals significant correlations between body composition and somatotype components in adults. Body fat and fat-free mass are strongly linked to endomorphic, mesomorphic, and ectomorphic traits.
Area of Science:
- Human Physiology
- Anthropometry
- Body Composition Analysis
Background:
- Somatotype, a classification of human body shape, is influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
- Understanding the relationship between somatotype and body composition is crucial for health and performance assessments.
- Previous research has explored these links, but further investigation using diverse methodologies is warranted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlations between somatotype components (endomorphy, mesomorphy, ectomorphy) and various body composition variables.
- To compare findings obtained using hydrodensitometry (HD) and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) in relation to somatotype.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 422 adults (aged 18-73 years) had their somatotype estimated using the Health-Carter method.
- Body composition was assessed using hydrodensitometry (HD) and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).
- Anthropometric dimensions, resistance (R), reactance (XC), body volume, surface area, percent fat, fat weight, and fat-free weight were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Anthropometric dimensions showed positive correlations with endomorphic/mesomorphic components and negative with ectomorphic.
- BIA measurements (R, XC) correlated negatively with endomorphic/mesomorphic components and positively with ectomorphic.
- HD revealed negative correlations between mass in water and endomorphic/mesomorphic components, and positive with ectomorphic.
- Body volume and surface area correlated positively with endomorphic/mesomorphic and negatively with ectomorphic components.
- Percent fat and fat weight related to all three somatotype components in both sexes.
- Fat-free weight in males correlated with mesomorphic and ectomorphic components.
Conclusions:
- Somatotype components are significantly associated with various body composition measures obtained through HD and BIA.
- These findings highlight the interconnectedness of body shape, fat distribution, and lean mass across different assessment methods.
- The study provides valuable insights for researchers and clinicians utilizing somatotyping and body composition analysis.
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