A study of the distribution pattern of fat in male gymnasts

Girth and skinfold measurements were taken on male gymnasts of international standing. The results were compared with other groups, the data for which were taken from the literature. The ratio of central to appendicular girth was studied to find the differences in the fat proportions on extremities and trunk region. This ratio was found to be similar in power lifters and Olympic lifters. The skinfold rankings show the gymnasts to be the leanest of all the groups.