RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Measuring body composition JF Archives of Disease in Childhood JO Arch Dis Child FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health SP 612 OP 617 DO 10.1136/adc.2005.085522 VO 91 IS 7 A1 Wells, J C K A1 Fewtrell, M S YR 2006 UL http://adc.bmj.com/content/91/7/612.abstract AB Several aspects of body composition, in particular the amount and distribution of body fat and the amount and composition of lean mass, are now understood to be important health outcomes in infants and children. Their measurement is increasingly considered in clinical practice; however, paediatricians are often unsure as to which techniques are appropriate and suitable for application in specific contexts. This article summarises the pros and cons of measurement technologies currently available for paediatric application. Simple techniques are adequate for many purposes, and simple regional data may often be of greater value than “whole body” values obtained by more sophisticated approaches.