What methods can be used to measure body composition?

The methods listed in the correct choice encompass a range of validated techniques specifically designed to assess body composition, which includes the measurement of fat mass, lean mass, and overall body fat percentage.

DEXA scans, or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, provide detailed information about bone density and body composition, including fat and lean mass distribution. Bioelectrical impedance analysis works by sending a low-level electrical current through the body, using the resistance to assess body fat percentage. Skinfold measurements involve using calipers to measure the thickness of skinfolds at specific sites on the body, which can then be used to estimate body fat percentage. Hydrostatic weighing is considered one of the gold standards for measuring body composition; it calculates body density based on the volume of water displaced by a submerged individual, allowing precise estimations of fat and lean mass.

The other choices involve methods that are less direct or do not specifically measure body composition. Body mass index and waist circumference provide some insight into weight status and potential health risks but do not differentiate between fat and lean mass. Caloric intake analysis and hydration tests may inform nutritional status but do not assess body composition itself. Physical activity questionnaires and dietary recalls gather information about lifestyle and eating habits, which are important but do not