Methods for body composition analysis in obese adults

The analysis of body composition in obese individuals has been intensively discussed due to the methodological limitations of most measurement methods. The aim of this thematic section was to clarify the characteristics, advantages, and limitations of methods of body composition evaluation in obese adults. In addition to the measurement of body fat and fat-free mass, evaluation of specific patterns of body composition change, such as loss of both muscle and bone mass in obese individuals, is also of special scientific interest because they are used for the diagnosis and prognosis of osteosarcopenic obesity. Although the use of multi-compartment models are gold-standard for the assessment of body composition, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry may be used as a method of reference in scientific research and clinical practice. Studies indicate that magnetic resonance and computed tomography are, in some instances, strongly correlated with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Other techniques present with limitations in assessing the body composition of obese individuals, especially when evaluating weight loss changes.