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Incorporation of “Human Body Composition” Course in the Medical or Premedical Curriculum

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Abstract

Body composition science is concerned with tracking changes in the body component proportions. Body fat, fat-free, and lean masses undergo significant changes in chronic, metabolic, cardiovascular, cancerous disorders and others. Quantitative studies of these changes can be performed with simple, non-invasive, and inexpensive methods. The collected data could have significant clinical values in the prediction, diagnosis, and prognosis of multiple serious diseases particularly those encumbering the healthcare system. However, there is inadequate attention to this field in the medical curricula. We suggest in this article a specific course of “clinical body composition” as an elective for the medical students and/or an essential part of the pre-medical curriculum.

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Correspondence to Yehia M. A. H. Marreez MD, PhD.

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Marreez, Y.M.A.H. Incorporation of “Human Body Composition” Course in the Medical or Premedical Curriculum. Med.Sci.Educ. 23, 196–200 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03341621

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