Anthropometry (from the Greek anthropos: human, and metron: measure) refers to the
systematic collection and correlation of measurements of human individuals, including
the systematic measurement of the physical characteristics of the human body, primarily
body weight, body size, and shape. Today, anthropometry includes single, portable,
easily applicable, non-invasive, and inexpensive techniques to assess size and composition
of the human body, reflecting health and nutritional status [1]. Today, anthropometric
and body composition indicators are useful to predict the development of noncommunicable
diseases, like diabetesor cardiovascular diseases [2,3], but it is also useful to
assess relationships with physical condition and an active/inactive lifestyle, as
well as thedecline of physical ability and sarcopenia incidence [4]. Therefore, anthropometric
measurements are needed as part of methods to develop strategies for early identification
of decline in physical condition and appropriate interventions to avoid physical impairments,
and to promote quality of life.
Resting energy expenditure (REE) is the energy expenditure of an individual who is
not fasting and is the number of calories required for a 24 h period by the body during
a non-active period [5]. REE usually accounts for more than 60% of the total energy
expenditure and is directly related to the amount of fat-free mass, which is more
active metabolically than fat mass [6].The REE is useful to avoid or prevent underfeeding
and/or overfeeding of individuals, especially in clinical care, but it also crucial
to establish reachable goals for dietary and exercise interventions. REE can be estimated
by numerous published formulas. Since the most used Harris–Benedict equation in 1918
[7], nearly 200 published REE formulas have been published dealing with various conditions
[8], and the body composition is relevant to assess the validity of REE equations,
which mainly depends on gender, age, and weight status [9].
The reliability and precision of body compartment measurements over a range of BMIs
have been examinedby means of several techniques. Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
and bioelectrical impedance devices (BIA) are the most used and precise methods. However,
BIA lightly underestimated fat mass and overestimated fat-free mass and visceral adipose
tissue compared to DXA [10,11]. However, BIA proved to be useful to measure changes
in fat mass, body fat, total and skeletal muscle mass, ratio of lower extremity muscle
mass, and ratio of upper extremity muscle mass to body weight in gastrectomized patients
[12]. Simple anthropometric measurements, like waist circumference [10,13], are also
useful and very informative, and BMI and body weight are still the most used parameters,
in both clinical and epidemiological studies. In this way, studies on dietary and
lifestyle intervention have used anthropometric, body weight, and body composition
parameters as the basis of their assessment [14,15,16].
Data on nutritional status of human populations are periodically needed, as well as
their relationships with anthropometry, body composition, body image, and energy expenditure,
and also with healthy lifestyle outcomes. All these parameters contribute jointly
to give a complete knowledge on dietary and lifestyle habits, and hence how to proceed
to improve it in order to enjoy an optimal healthy status. Therefore, this Special
Issue of Nutrients was designed and developed.