GHBCI vs ISAK

GHBCI Body Composition Practitioner vs ISAK  

We have been asked about the differences between GHBCI and ISAK (International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry). It’s a great question, so we thought we’d offer a few thoughts on what we see as the main differences of our two organizations.  

ISAK’s focus is on ‘kinanthropometry’, which is defined as “the study of human size, shape, proportion, composition, maturation, and gross function, in order to understand growth, exercise, performance, and nutrition”. They offer several great training programs to teach practitioners to  

measure body widths, height, weight, circumferences, and several skinfold thickness sites. They focus on anthropometry as opposed to other methods of body composition assessment. Their classes are held worldwide and are all “in-person” offerings. 

GHBCI’s focus is on the ‘pros & cons’, the
suitability, and the varying error rates for a wide
variety of body composition assessment methods. We offer a non-biased comparison of methodologies such as: DXA scans, ultra-sound, Skinfolds, BMI, BodPod, 3D Scanning, and more. We address methods that are used in a variety of settings (fitness facilities, research facilities, clinical settings, etc) and discuss which method may most appropriate for a particular purpose, such as sports performance, general nutrition, weight loss, prevention of osteoporosis and sarcopenia, etc.  

We offer multiple levels of Certification for body composition practitioners and professionals. Our current Level 1 Class is on-line, so it is available anytime and there is no travel cost involved. Our Level 2 training is an in-person, advanced training that covers all the assessment methods. This training provides hands-on practice to allow practitioners to fine tune their skills.  

For information about training opportunities, check out www.ghbci.org/store.