Multicomponent density models for body composition: Review of the dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry volume approach

Abstract

Accurate and precise body composition estimates, notably of total body adiposity, are a vital component of in vivo physiology and metabolic studies. The reference against which other body composition approaches are usually validated or calibrated is the family of methods referred to as multicomponent "body density" models.These models quantify three to six components by combining measurements of body mass, body volume, total body water, and osseous mineral mass. Body mass is measured with calibrated scales, volume with underwater weighing or air-displacement plethysmography, total body water with isotope dilution, and osseous mineral mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Body density is then calculated for use in model as body mass/volume. Studies over the past decade introduced a new approach to quantifying body volume that relies on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements, an advance that simplifies multicomponent density model development by eliminating the need for underwater weighing or air-displacement plethysmography systems when these technologies are unavailable and makes these methods more accessible to research and clinical programs. This review critically examines these new dual-energy X-ray approaches for quantifying body volume and density, explores their shortcomings, suggests alternative derivation approaches, and introduces ideas for potential future research studies.

Exploring the Impact of the Obesity Paradox on Lung Cancer and Other Malignancies

“…To measure body habitus using underwater weighing, individuals are weighed in air and submerged in a tank with an underwater seat hanging from a scale [128]. Researchers then calculate body volume, body density, and body fat percentage due to the difference in densities [128].…”

“…To measure body habitus using underwater weighing, individuals are weighed in air and submerged in a tank with an underwater seat hanging from a scale [128]. Researchers then calculate body volume, body density, and body fat percentage due to the difference in densities [128]. Underwater weighing is accurate but is inaccessible to children, older adults, people with a BMI of 40+, and health-related problems due to the requirement of complete submersion [128].…”

“…Researchers then calculate body volume, body density, and body fat percentage due to the difference in densities [128]. Underwater weighing is accurate but is inaccessible to children, older adults, people with a BMI of 40+, and health-related problems due to the requirement of complete submersion [128].…”

“…Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry uses two low-level X-ray beams to estimate fat-free mass, fat mass, and bone mineral density [128]. Though incredibly accurate, the method is expensive and cumbersome and is suboptimal for patients with a BMI > 35 kg/m [2] and those who are pregnant due to radiation exposure [128].…”

Body composition of the upper limb associated with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes

“…The body composition assessment is one of the cornerstones of studying human metabolism and physiology ( 25 ). Segmental body composition parameters may better reflect the effects of obesity ( 26 , 27 ) and have received much attention in recent years.…”