Predetermined in vivo techniques for measuring body composition included
| Description | |
| Whole body adiposity measures | |
| Dual energy X-ray absorption (DXA) | Measures bone mineral mass calculated from the differential absorption of two different energy X-rays |
| Air displacement plethysmography (ADP) | Two-component model assessing mass and volume to estimate body density |
| Isotope dilution (hydrometry) | Assesses water distribution to estimate body composition (provides an estimate of fat-free mass) |
| Whole body MRI | Direct imaging technique to measure volume of adipose tissue |
| Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) | Assesses electrical conductivity to estimate body fat percentage |
| Regional adiposity measures | |
| Regional DXA | As described above—provides regional estimates of abdominal adipose tissue |
| Regional MRI | As described above—abdominal MRI most commonly performed at level of L2/L3 to give an indication of abdominal adipose tissue |
| Abdominal ultrasound | Sound wave imaging technique to assess central adiposity—can give estimate of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue |
| Skinfold thickness | Measurement of regional subcutaneous fat |
| Abdominal circumference | Measurement of abdominal circumference—indication of abdominal adipose tissue |