Final answer:
Fat distribution can be measured using techniques such as measuring waist circumference and the skin-fold test. Advanced methods like DEXA and the waist-to-hip ratio can also be used. A waist circumference greater than 40 inches for men and greater than 35 inches for women indicates a higher risk of health problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fat distribution can be measured using various methods. One common method is measuring waist circumference, which is the measurement around the waist just above the belly button. A waist circumference greater than 40 inches for men and greater than 35 inches for women indicates a higher risk of health problems.
Another method is the skin-fold test, where a health professional uses a caliper to measure the thickness of skin in different parts of the body. This method compares the measurements to standards to assess body fatness.
More advanced methods include dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), which uses X-ray beams to determine fat content, and the waist-to-hip ratio, which compares the measurements of the waist circumference to the hip circumference.