Skinfold thickness measurements are best for assessing the body composition of which type of individual?

Skinfold thickness measurements are a practical method for assessing body composition by estimating subcutaneous fat levels, making them particularly useful in athletic populations. Athletes often have distinct and measurable body fat levels that can be accurately captured through skinfold measurements, allowing for insights into their body composition and fitness levels. This assessment is beneficial for tracking changes over time, tailoring training regimens, and optimizing performance through understanding body fat distribution.

In contrast, using skinfold measurements on other populations, such as the elderly or individuals with medical conditions like diabetes or failure to thrive, may present complications. The elderly may have altered skin elasticity and may not respond to measurements in the same way as younger individuals, making accurate assessment difficult. Infants experiencing failure to thrive may not have sufficient subcutaneous fat, leading to challenging interpretations of skinfold thickness. Similarly, individuals with diabetes often have unique body composition characteristics that could skew results. Hence, male athletes represent the ideal group for the effective and accurate use of skinfold thickness measurements.