Estimation of body composition by whole body volumetry in human subjects.

Body density measurements have been used since 1757 for studying body composition in human subjects. Robertson was the first to apply the Archimedes principle to underwater weighing (14). Behnke was however the first one to use a correction for residual volume and to obtain a good indiction of the fat mass by underwater weighing (2). Rathbun & Pace (12); Brozek et al (3) and Siri (13) evolved a series of equations for the estimation of percent body fat in Western subjects. These equations may however not be applicable to Indian populations.