Relationship between body composition and the components of somatotype.

In a sample of 422 adults (200 females and 222 males) aged 18-73 years, the relationship was determined between somatotype estimated by the Health-Carter (Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 27:57-74, 1967) method and body composition variables determined by using hydrodensitometry (HD) and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). The anthropometric (ANC) dimensions used to estimate somatotype were positively correlated with the endomorphic and mesmorphic components and negatively correlated with the ectomorphic component. For the BIA measurements, resistance (R) was negatively correlated with the mesomorphic component; and reactance (XC) was negatively correlated with the endomorphic component; both measurements were positively correlated with the ectomorphic component. The HD-negative correlations were observed between mass in water and the endomorphic and mesomorphic components, and positive correlations were observed with the ectomorphic component. Body volume and surface area were positively correlated with the endomorphic and mesomorphic components and negatively correlated with the ectomorphic component. Percent fat and fat weight were related to each of the three components of somatotype for males and females. Fat-free weight for males was also related to the mesomorphic and the ectomorphic components.