Final answer:
The skin-fold test, using calipers, measures fat levels at specific sites around the body, providing insights into fat distribution which is crucial in predicting health risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The body composition method that measures fat levels at specific sites around the body is known as the skin-fold test. A health professional uses calipers to measure the thickness of skin folds at various parts of the body, such as the back or arm, to assess body fatness. This test provides insight into fat distribution, which can vary due to factors such as hormones and genetics. The distribution of fat, particularly visceral fat, can be significant as it is a better predictor of disease risk compared to total fat mass. Other methods, like Bioelectric Impedance Analysis (BIA) and Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), are also used but may involve more complex equipment and procedures.