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US Navy Method

Comprehensive analysis of the US Navy circumference-based body fat assessment method, including its development, validation studies, and widespread adoption in military and civilian applications.

Historical Development

Original Research (1984)

Development by Hodgdon and Beckett at the Naval Health Research Center:

  • Initial study with 1,585 Navy personnel
  • Comparison with hydrostatic weighing
  • Gender-specific equation development
  • Focus on field practicality

Method Evolution

Refinement and validation over decades:

  • 1984: Original equations published
  • 1990s: Expanded civilian validation
  • 2000s: Cross-validation with DEXA
  • 2020: Updated military standards

Method Details

Measurement Protocol

Male Measurements

  • Height
  • Neck circumference
  • Abdominal circumference
  • Standardized posture

Female Measurements

  • Height
  • Neck circumference
  • Waist circumference
  • Hip circumference

Statistical Validation

Military Population

  • Correlation with HW: r = 0.90 (men)
  • Correlation with HW: r = 0.85 (women)
  • SEE: ±3.0% men, ±3.5% women
  • High test-retest reliability

Civilian Population

  • 2,300+ subjects tested
  • Cross-validated with DEXA
  • Consistent accuracy across ages
  • Valid for multiple ethnicities

Practical Applications

Military Use

  • Physical fitness standards
  • Combat readiness assessment
  • Career progression criteria
  • Health screening tool

Civilian Applications

  • Public health screening
  • Fitness center assessments
  • Clinical monitoring
  • Research studies

Advantages and Limitations

Key Advantages

  • No special equipment needed
  • Quick and non-invasive
  • Minimal technical expertise required
  • Good reliability in field settings

Limitations

  • Less accurate for extreme body types
  • Affected by hydration status
  • Posture affects measurements
  • Limited for athletic assessment

References

  • Hodgdon, J.A., & Beckett, M.B. (1984). “Prediction of percent body fat for U.S. Navy men and women from body circumferences and height.” Naval Health Research Center Report, No. 84-11.
  • Friedl, K.E., et al. (2020). “Body Composition Standards and Assessment in the U.S. Military.” Military Medicine, 185(9), e1472-e1479.
  • Shake, C.L., et al. (2018). “Validation of the US Navy Circumference Method for Percent Body Fat Assessment.” Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(4), 1098-1104.
  • Department of Defense. (2020). “DOD Physical Fitness and Body Fat Program.” DOD Instruction 1308.3.