ABSTRACT

Body composition is assessed as a marker for health in children and adults. Children that are overweight at a young age have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic conditions later in life (Must and Strauss, 1999; Twisk et al., 2002). Current data from Canada suggest that 21 % of preschoolers are overweight or obese (Shields, 2006). The high prevalence of overweight/obesity has increased public concern regarding potential health implications. Lean body mass also plays an important role in metabolic health; however, it is not as commonly assessed as adiposity with respect to health measures.