Body size, subcutaneous fatness and total body fat in older adults

In a sample of healthy adults (24 men, 21 women; 54 to 85 years of age) anthropometry was collected and body density measured by underwater weighing. Estimates of body fat were computed from body density. The men were significantly larger than the women in body size and have significantly less percent body fat and less subcutaneous fat on their arms and legs. There were no sex differences in measures of subcutaneous fat on the trunk or in estimates of total body fat. Chest and abdominal circumferences were the measurements most highly correlated with total and percent body fat in the men. In the women, abdominal circumference and subscapular skinfolds were highly correlated with percent body fat, as were subscapular and midaxillary skinfold with total body fat.