Yep You are describing a very basic version of body composition analysis by caliper measurement. With a $5 caliper and 20 minutes of training, anyone can get consistent and relatively accurate estimates of body fat percentage on a wide variety of body types. While the body fat % may not be spot on, if the person doing the measurement is careful to assure good technique with each measurement, you can get very good tracking of trends up or down in body fat. Really, does it matter as much that your body fat is 14% or 16% or is it more important that it is less than it was when you checked a month ago. Perfect, no, but still far more useful and accurate than BMI, even those modified BMIs that include waist, wrist or other measurements. Bioimpedence (electronic devices such as scales or handheld units, some have four contacts to cover all limbs) are also relatively accurate but can be skewed by fluid and electrolyte abnormalities such as dehydration or hyponatremia (low sodium). Still better than BMI as an indicator of body composition.

Our understanding of cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides is also evolving. While HDL is still "good" its role may not be what we thought it was. We have always thought of HDL as the scrubber of arterial plaque, which it may do to some degree, but it is becoming apparent that another role of HDL is as an indicator of a healthy lifestyle. Most people with high HDL (there are always genetic anomalies) lead an active lifestyle with good nutrition, including low simple carb consumption and an appropriate balance of fats and micronutients. People with low HDL and elevated LDL tend to be more sedentary with a high simple carb and inappropriately balanced fat intake (think donuts . . . no wait . . . don't think about donuts ). So there is controversy over how much of the benefit is due to the HDL itself and how much is due to the otherwise healthful lifestyle of which it is an indicator. Another player that is being strongly considered as a cardiovascular villain is inflammation (C-reactive protein is one test for it) which seems to work in conjunction with LDL, especially VLDL, to create vascular plaques. There are many sources of inflammation including diet and infection (this is why they are looking closely at the link between dental health and cardiovascular health, poor dental hygiene and care may be a portal for chronic inflammatory infections). Aspirin has long been used for people with high cardiovascular risks. It inhibits platelet aggregation (clot formation) but now its anti-inflammatory properties are also considered beneficial. (Aspirin therapy also carries risks, so talk to your physician before starting an aspirin regimen).

Triglycerides and their role in the development of metabolic syndrome are also getting much more attention than they used to. A decade or two ago, triglycerides were "that other number" on your cholesterol test. Now, triglyceride levels and A1C are considered just as important as the cholesterol levels in predicting and lower the risk of cardiovascular events.

Some good news is that we are figuring out that dietary fat and cholesterol play much less of a role in elevating total cholesterol and LDL than previously believed and dietary control of cholesterol levels may be better accomplished through lowering dietary simple carbs and transfats, combined with appropriate physical activity. To quote James Brown "Get Up Offa' That Thing "