Methodological standards for body composition-an expert-endorsed guide for research and clinical applications: levels, models, and terminology.

ABSTRACT: Body composition assessment is widely used in both research and clinical practice, yet confusion over basic concepts and terminology persists, leading to inaccurate assessments, comparisons, and interpretations. To address this concern, an international working group was formed to clarify basic concepts, standardize terminology, and provide guidance on the use and interpretation of body composition assessment. This initial publication addresses methodological standards, focusing on summarizing body composition levels and models, and introducing standardized terms and definitions. Body composition is organized into 5 distinct levels, ranging from atomic to whole-body, with each higher level encompassing the components of the preceding less complex levels. As a result, terms that describe co

SUBMITTER: Prado CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12405783 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature