Assessing body composition: the skinfold method

1. Excess body fat contributes to many chronic diseases. Using a case scenario, an initial screening assessment is performed on two clients. The occupational health nurse provides feedback on current lifestyle behaviors and educates the clients about relevant lifestyle changes. 2. Tables illustrate the step by step procedures for measuring body fat using the skinfold thickness method. Photographs show the multiple body sites used in the skinfold analysis. 3. Commonly asked client questions related to body fat are discussed in detail, and the use of body fat assessment as a screening method for the health promotion professional is described.