A century of skinfolds for body composition estimation: what we learned?

Abstract

In 2021, we reached the centenary of the creation of the first body composition assessment model based on the use of skinfolds. A hundred years after Matiegka’s application in 1921 to the analysis of “human efficiency”, this point of view study seeks to bring reflections on the continuous applicability of the method, historical points, relevant advances, and possible projections for the future. Indeed, the comparability of skinfolds with multicompartmental reference methods shows several advantages and disadvantages; if on the one hand we have low cost, speed, and reproducibility, on the other hand we have problems associated with the quality of the equipment, the evaluator’s skill and mainly the adequate choice of the predictive model. Thus, when it comes to the assessment of body composition, skinfolds are still a good option for application in different contexts by health professionals as long as the evaluator pays attention to the critical aspects that may represent sources of errors (for example, the level of training/experience, correct skinfold location). Even with the numerous advances in the area, there is solidity and continuity for the application of skinfolds for the future.