CSSD Body Composition 2

Question 1

Which body composition assessment method is considered the gold standard for measuring body fat percentage in research settings?

Accepted Answer

Four-compartment model

Answer

The four-compartment model (4C) is the gold standard because it measures fat mass, water, mineral, and protein independently, minimizing assumptions about body composition.

Question 2

A female endurance athlete has a body fat percentage of 14%. According to sports nutrition guidelines, which statement best applies?

Accepted Answer

This is within the healthy performance range for female endurance athletes

Answer

14% body fat falls within the accepted performance range for female endurance athletes (10–20%), and is above the essential fat threshold (~10–13%) for females.

Question 3

When using skinfold calipers, which condition most significantly reduces measurement reliability?

Accepted Answer

Inter-tester variability between different assessors

Answer

Inter-tester variability is the largest source of error with skinfold measurements; the same tester (intra-tester) should perform repeated assessments for reliable tracking.

Question 4

Fat-free mass (FFM) density is assumed to be 1.1 g/cc in the Siri two-compartment model. Which athlete population would most violate this assumption?

Accepted Answer

High-level weightlifters with high bone mineral density

Answer

Athletes with significantly higher bone mineral density, such as weightlifters, have a denser FFM than the assumed 1.1 g/cc, causing the 2C model to underestimate body fat.

Question 5

During the off-season, an American football lineman gains 8 kg. DXA shows 5 kg is fat mass and 3 kg is fat-free mass. What does this suggest about his off-season diet?

Accepted Answer

His protein intake was sufficient but total calories were excessive

Answer

A gain predominantly of fat mass with a smaller FFM gain suggests a caloric surplus beyond what was needed to support lean tissue accretion, indicating excess total calorie intake.

(CSSD) Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics Practice Test

(CSSD) Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics Practice Test

CSSD Body Composition 2