Zeitschrift für Adipositas- und Gewichtsverlusttherapie

Abstrakt

The Use of the Malar Skinfold Site as a Reference Point for Exercise and Weight Loss Programs

Eric Durak, Joseph Halstead, Nick Mitchell, Sarah Mauger, Nicole Hank

Introduction: We tested the hypothesis that the use of a malar (cheek) skinfold body composition correlates to overall body fat loss in men (N = 223, mean age 37.9 + 5 years) who participated in high intensity strength training programs.

Method: Body composition measures were conducted with skinfold calipers on nine areas of the body, including malar location. High intensity programs are defined as working out three times per week for a minimum of three months using multiple strength modalities and sessions. In addition, participants made dietary changes to include a higher percentage of protein and fat in their diet.

Result: Demonstrated that participants had a significant (36%) reduction in overall body fat (22.1% to 15.2%, p<0.0005). We conclude that malar measurements were comparable to other body fat measures, and statistically significant changes, vs. small and insignificant changes in total body weight and waist circumference were also seen via trend analysis.

Conclusion: We conclude that the use of a malar skinfold measurement is useful as part of a total skinfold assessment, as its measurement value is high enough to warrant its use, as well as confirming a visual reduction in fat mass in the facial area.