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Body Composition Test

Also known as: waist circumference, body mass index.

What is a body composition test?

Body composition tests are a series of tests that determine the risk of certain diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and more. They include such tests as body mass index, waist circumference and others.

What happens during the procedure?

Body composition tests can be performed with simple measurements and calculations. No intrusive tests are required. They include such tests as measuring the patients’ weight, measuring height or measuring the waistline.

Is any special preparation needed?

No special preparations are needed for the procedures.

What are the risk factors?

There are no risk factors related to body composition tests.

Reviewed by: Carrie Firestone Baum, MD

This page was last updated on: September 16, 2025 12:42 PM

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Specializing in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders for infants, children and adolescents. 

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Obesity

Growing children and adolescents normally gain weight and height each year and the path that they follow is measured by weight and height charts (growth charts) which define the normal range for each age and sex. The Body Mass Index (BMI) takes into account whether a child’s weight falls within the normal range taking into account his/her height, age and sex. While there a number of ways to define obesity, the BMI is widely used to measure obesity (a BMI greater than the normal range for age, sex and height).

High Blood Pressure

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is defined as a child's blood pressure greater than that of  95% of their normal peers.