Concept and definition: Body composition assessment

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, obesity is defined as an excess of body fat. However, the concept of obesity has health implications beyond the simple accumulation of body fat, as adiposity is linked to both short- and long-term adverse metabolic complications. Additionally, it is associated with significant physical and psychosocial comorbidities, all of which need to be encompassed within the broader understanding of obesity. To effectively address obesity and its consequences, including definitions, diagnosis, quantification, monitoring and classification, it is essential to establish objective and standardized parameters for measuring body fat.