Body composition is typically based upon experimental and careful measurement of volume, density or components as water, mineral and protein, but models into which these measurements are incorporated base results on weight alone. Such assessment places full faith in the concept termed "shapeless weight". Grid body composition, a new application of the Wetzel Grid Technique overcomes this significant deficit by transforming both height and weight (correlated variables) to the independent Grid variables size and shape. These hold throughout the entire range of human sizes from embryo to giant.

It was reported in 1946 by Normal C. Wetzel, M.D. (1897-1984), author of the Grid Technique, that subjects of more robust physique had greater body volumes that those of more linear physique when such comparison was made at equal sizes. It was later reported (1967) that experimental total body volumes correlated with Grid predicted volumes at the highest levels ever reported in biologic work.

This program is an outgrowth of Dr. Wetzel's work and includes results based upon equations for determination of total body volume, total body fat and that fraction of water in the non-fat portion, known as water in the lean. It provides complete predicted composition results from inputs of height and weight alone. Additionally, it provides a best estimate of density based upon all information known about an individual including his or her height and weight as well as experimental results which allow determination of water in the lean and mineral in the lean body mass. These implications from experiment are combined with size and shape to yield not only a most probably density but true experimental estimates of total body fat (which include experimental error), and error-free values for each component.

Learn about direct grid functions as Development Level (an indication of size), Grid Channel (an indication of shape), age schedule (Grid auxodrome), Grid Body Surface Area and grid determined (sex related) basal metabolic rate, found with a keystroke for those to whom such values apply. Growth's invariants (direction and physique) provide for individual gruidance toward optimal growth management from infancy to maturity without need of referral to any "ideal" subject or "average" individual, both of which are purely illusory, terms which should be set aside.