[Evaluation of body composition in obese subjects]

The body composition of 12 obese patients was assessed. The dilution method was used to assess the total areas of sodium and water. Total potassium was measured indirectly using the following formula: total potassium = R X total body water-total body sodium, where R represents the contents in a whole blood sample. Both fat and muscle mass were found to be increased in the obese subjects. Examination of the total sodium/total water ratio and the relationship between weight and muscle mass, cellular mass and total fat showed the dimensional increase was harmonious.