Final answer:
The authorized method to assess body fat is Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), a precise technique that uses low-dose X-ray beams, combined with mathematical formulas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The authorized method to assess body fat typically involves various techniques, but one primary and precise method recognized by health professionals is Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). By directing two low-dose X-ray beams through the body, DEXA measures the amount of energy absorbed.
This information, in combination with standard mathematical formulas, accurately estimates a person's fat content. Aside from DEXA, fat distribution can also be assessed non-invasively. Visceral fat, a key indicator of disease risk, is measured using a simple measuring tape to take waist circumference measurements.
Other methods such as the skin-fold test using calipers can be considered for assessing body fat, yet it has limitations and variability depending on the population being assessed. The importance of accurate body fat measurement is underscored by the association of fat mass with health risks.