Date of Award

5-2015

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology and Health Science

Committee Chair(s)

Dale Wagner

Committee

Dale Wagner

Committee

Edward Heath

Committee

Eadric Bressel

Abstract

Athletes strive for a competitive advantage, and for some athletes building a lean body with a low body fat percentage (%BF) can help them achieve a higher level of performance. This is particularly the case in gravitational sports in which a high body mass hinders performance, in aesthetic sports in which there is a perceived ideal shape, and in weight class sports in which competition is organized into categories of body mass (20). However, some athletes put themselves at risk of health problems through extreme dieting, disordered eating, and fluid restriction in an effort to achieve a particular weight or %BF (20). Whether it be tracking fat loss results or monitoring healthy habits, body composition assessment can serve as a beneficial tool for both coaches and athletes to help the athlete achieve a reasonable and healthy competitive weight.

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