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Research
Durnin & Womersley Method
The Durnin & Womersley method estimates body fat using age- and sex-specific skinfold equations.
1 source
What the evidence says
Reported Error
The study reports error against underwater weighing for its original sample. Individual errors can exceed the reported figures.
Population specificity
Age- and sex-specific equations
Study limitations
The researchers did not select a random sample.
Historical Development
Original Research (1974)
Durnin and Womersley examined age-related differences in body composition:
- They developed age- and sex-specific equations.
- They measured four skinfold sites.
Method Details
Sites and Study Ages
Skinfold Sites (Both Sexes)
- Biceps
- Triceps
- Subscapular
- Suprailiac
Age Groups in the Original Study
- 17-19 years for men; 16-19 years for women
- 20-29 years
- 30-39 years
- 40-49 years
- 50+ years (sample ages: men up to 72; women up to 68)
Reported Error
Durnin and Womersley used underwater weighing as the reference method.
- In the Table 9 footnote, two-thirds of cases in the original study were within ±3.5 percentage points for women and ±5 for men.
- Individual errors can exceed these figures.
Study Limitations
The researchers did not select a random sample.
They identified limitations at low skinfold totals, particularly in women.
What this means for your measurement
How the Equations Work
The equations estimate body density from skinfold measurements, then convert density to body fat percentage.