Research Digest series:

Body Composition

Body composition can be measured in a variety of ways, and forms part of overall components of fitness. In this series, we distinguish between the different approaches to measuring body composition, we provide insight into each modality listed within the ACSM, and provide research insights on the variations that may occur between different methods of body composition measurement. Most importantly, we help you to understand the importance of body composition and answer some frequently asked questions on this topic. Overall, a comprehensive understanding of body composition is essential for promoting holistic well-being and achieving specific health or performance goals.

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What's included in this Research Digest Series?

Body Composition is an essential measure of human beings when designing programmes for health and performance goals. Body composition is one of the 5 components of fitness.

6 Chapters
6 Videos

Purpose of understanding Body Composition

Understanding body composition is crucial for assessing overall health, optimizing physical performance, and guiding interventions in areas such as nutrition and exercise. It provides insights into the distribution of fat and lean mass, aiding in the prevention of obesity-related health issues and the early detection of disease risks.

Why?

Athletes benefit from body composition analysis to tailor training plans, while individuals seeking weight management use it for nuanced insights beyond simple weight measurements. Additionally, body composition assessments serve as motivational tools, offering tangible feedback on progress and fostering accountability in fitness and health journeys.

Course Lessons

Meet our SSISA Research Digest team

Warren Lucas

Research and Partnerships Manager

Warren Lucas is an Accredited Sport Scientist (SASMA), completing a PhD in Exercise Science at the University of Cape Town. His research is focused on designing patient-centred exercise interventions for youth with substance use and mental health conditions in treatment settings. His supervisors are Dr. Sharief Hendricks and Prof. Vicki Lambert (HPALS UCT).

Evan Knight

Research Consultant

Evan Knight is an Exercise Scientist with an MSc in Exercise Physiology from the Stellenbosch. University. He works as a Research Consultant at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, and his research is focused on biomarkers and the intercellular adaptation and communication following different endurance running training regimes in elite runners.

Devon Da Costa

Research Consultant & Lecturer

Devon Da Costa is a Qualified Biokineticist completing a PhD in Exercise Science at the University of Cape Town. She works as a Research Consultant and Lecturer at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa. Her research is focused on fuelling endurance sports performance through a variety of different dietary and supplementation strategies. She is supervised by Associate Prof Andrew Bosch (HPALS UCT).

Tim Klein

Research Consultant & Sport Scientist

Tim Klein is an Exercise Scientist who is currently completing an MSc in Exercise Science at the University of Cape Town. His research focuses primarily on the effects of resistance training on cycling performance. His research is supervised by Associate Prof. Mike Posthumus and Dr. Caroline D’Alton (HPALS UCT).