Final answer:
The method used to estimate subcutaneous fat is skinfold thickness measurement, which is noninvasive and cost-effective. Other methods, such as bioelectrical impedance analysis, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and magnetic resonance imaging, can also measure body fat but are more technically challenging and expensive.
Step-by-step explanation:
The method used to estimate the amount of subcutaneous fat beneath the skin is skinfold thickness measurement. This method involves a health professional using calipers to measure the thickness of skin at various parts of the body, such as the back or arm. The measured thickness is then compared to standards to assess body fat percentage. This technique is noninvasive, cost-effective, and can provide fairly accurate estimations of fat mass when compared to standards that are based on data from mostly young to middle-aged adults.
Other methods for measuring body fat include the more technically challenging and expensive options like bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). BIA measures body composition by analyzing the resistance to an electrical current passed through the body, as fat impedes the electrical flow.
DEXA involves using two low-dose X-ray beams to differentiate between bone mass, lean tissue, and fat mass. MRI provides detailed images of the body and can accurately differentiate between different types of tissues, including fat.