Body composition and fat distribution were found to display differential effects on the incidence and mortality of chronic disease. However, it remained unclear whether there is an interaction between lifestyle factors and genetic susceptibility on body composition and fat distribution. This study investigated the associations of lifestyle and genetic factors with body composition and fat distribution among 121,664 women from the UK Biobank cohort study. Women with a favorable lifestyle had lower body mass index (BMI, –7.72% [95% CI: –7.93%, –7.51%]), fat mass index (FMI, –15.70% [95% CI: –16.09%, –15.30%]), fat-free mass index (FFMI, –2.86% [95% CI: –2.98%, –2.74%]), arm fat ratio (AFR, –5.19%, [95% CI: –5.38%, –5.00%]), and trunk fat ratio (TFR, –0.73%, [95% CI: –0.84%, –0.62%]), but higher leg fat ratio (LFR, 2.30% [95% CI: 2.16%, 2.44%]) than those with an unfavorable lifestyle. Significant interactions between lifestyle factors and genetic susceptibility on BMI, FMI, and AFR were observed (Pinteraction < 0.05). Among women with a high genetic susceptibility to body composition or fat distribution, those with a healthy lifestyle still had a lower BMI, FMI, FFMI, AFR, and TFR, and higher LFR (Ptrend < 0.001). Women who adhere to a favorable lifestyle tend to have healthy body composition and fat distribution and this association is consistent across all strata of genetic risk.

Normal reference values for body composition and physical performance measures are needed in order to determine cut-off values for suboptimal health such as obesity and related cardiometabolic diseases, and/or sarcopenia. Few studies have provided comparative normative reference ranges across different populations. We compare several body composition and physical performance measures between older Hong Kong Chinese and Canadians to derive and contrast their respective reference values.

17451 older adults from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) and 4000 from the Hong Kong Mr. and Ms. Osteoporosis (Os) cohort aged 65 years and over were included to derive reference values for walking speed, grip strength, 5-times chair stand test (CST), percentage body fat (PBF), weight, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and Conicity Index (C-index), stratified by age and sex.

Overall normal reference values for Hong Kong males were higher compared with Canadians, particularly in younger age groups. The observations were reversed for females. Not surprisingly, Canadians have higher body weight and body mass index compared with Hong Kong older adults. Older Canadian males also have a higher percentage body fat and waist-hip ratio, compared with Hong Kong Older males. When fat distribution was compared, Hong Kong Chinese females have higher conicity index- indicating greater central fat distribution compared with Canadian females.

Normative reference values are best derived in the context of ethnicity and geographic regions, when used in relation to health assessments requiring physical performance measures and body composition.

Disordered eating (DE) significantly affects both physical and mental health, contributing to morbidity, mortality, and considerable global healthcare costs. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of high-risk DE and examined its associations with body composition, behavioural factors, diet quality, and perceived stress among university students in the United Arab Emirates. A total of 911 students were recruited using non-probability quota sampling (50.49% female). Body composition was measured using a TANITA BC-420MA body composition monitor. Usual dietary intake was assessed via a validated 65-item food frequency questionnaire. DE risk was assessed using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and perceived stress using the PSS-10. Analysis included linear regression and independent-samples t-test (p < 0.05). High-risk DE (EAT-26 ≥ 20) prevalence was 30.3%. High-risk DE was significantly associated with higher body fat percentage (β = 0.121, p < 0.001), fat mass (β = 0.148, p < 0.001), fat-free mass (β = 0.079, p = 0.017), lean mass (β = 0.08, p = 0.016), total body water (β = 0.084, p = 0.011), and lower total body water percentage (β = −0.131, p < 0.001). High-risk students also reported higher intakes of fibre (β = 0.12, p = 0.018), beta-carotene (β = 0.14, p = 0.025), vitamin A (β = 0.13, p = 0.034), B12 (β = 0.15, p = 0.043), folate (β = 0.16, p = 0.006), and vitamin D (β = 0.16, p = 0.036). Compared with the low-risk group, high-risk DE was associated with higher adiposity markers and slightly higher perceived stress, and differed in selected nutrient intakes; sociodemographic characteristics were largely similar between groups except for smoking status. These findings support the implementation of targeted prevention strategies, including nutrition education, routine screening, and culturally tailored programmes, for young adults in the UAE.

The objectives of the present study were (a) to determine the effects of a 12-week intervention using wearables promoted through physical education classes on physical activity, body composition, physical fitness and psychological well-being of overweight or obese adolescents; and (b) to analyze the differences in outcomes based on gender and baseline physical activity. Seventy-three overweight and obese adolescents (mean age: 13.44 ± 1.12 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) or control group (CG). The EG used a physical activity wearable for 12 weeks. Both groups were assessed before and after the intervention. Regarding primary outcomes, the EG showed an increase in physical activity (p = 0.048) and reductions in body mass index (p = 0.007), fat mass (p < 0.001), and sum of 3 skinfolds (p = 0.002), with moderate-to-large effect sizes (η2 > 0.09). According to the secondary outcomes, improvements in physical fitness were limited, with increases observed only in abdominal muscular endurance, and these changes were also present in the CG. Subgroup analyses showed that females and adolescents with low baseline physical activity experienced greater benefits, particularly in fat-related variables (p < 0.001–0.037), with large effect sizes (η2 > 0.14). Additionally, adolescents with greater exposure to the wearable-based intervention showed more consistent improvements in fat-related outcomes (p < 0.001–0.032), with large effect sizes (η2 > 0.25). In conclusion, a wearable-based intervention promoted through physical education classes may contribute to meaningful improvements in body composition, particularly among females and previously inactive adolescents who are overweight or obese. However, effects on physical fitness and psychological well-being were limited, highlighting the importance of intervention design, adherence, and complementary motivational strategies.

This study aimed to evaluate the agreement between three body composition devices and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in assessing segmental body composition among healthy Iranian adults. This comparative study recruited 62 healthy adults (33 men and 29 women) from Tehran, Iran, using a convenience sampling approach. Socio-demographic data were collected, and segmental body composition was assessed using several devices, including the InBody 770, Anea bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), Tanita BC-418 and DXA. Agreement between DXA and the BIA devices was evaluated using Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). Additionally, Bland–Altman plots and mean percentage error were applied to assess the consistency between the two methods. The Anea, InBody 770 and Tanita BC-418 devices showed strong correlation with DXA for all segmental measurements (r ≥ 0·74, P < 0·05). Moderate agreement (CCC: 0·90 ≤ CCC < 0·95) with the DXA method was found for some segments using the Anea (trunk fat mass, arms fat-free mass, legs fat-free mass and trunk fat-free mass) and the InBody 770 (trunk lean body mass and trunk fat mass) devices. The estimation of legs fat mass was the least accurate across all BIA devices. Furthermore, subgroup analyses showed that the BIA devices provided more precise results in men and in individuals with a BMI < 25·00 kg/m2. The Anea BIA and InBody 770 devices show relatively acceptable validity for segmental body composition assessment. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

Surface anthropometric measures are commonly used to assess body composition in trained individuals. Standardised pre-test guidelines (morning, fasted) present logistical concerns. The impact of daily activities on skinfold (SKF) assessment has been established in males; however, there is a lack of research examining females. The aim of this study was to assess the within-day agreement between standardised and non-standardised surface anthropometric measures in trained females. Measures including body mass, eight SKF and six circumferences were collected by an International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry level 1 anthropometrist on forty trained females (twenty naturally menstruating and twenty using a contraceptive) under standardised conditions (morning, fasted, rested and hydrated) and non-standardised conditions (9–10 h later after free-living) on the same day. The menstrual or contraceptive pill phase was not controlled for. The intra-class correlation coefficient and typical error were calculated to assess reliability. Overall group means were compared to assess if a significant change occurred. The sum of eight SKF sites (∑8 SKF) displayed excellent reliability, and no significant difference was noted between conditions. Greater levels of disagreement were represented by those with ∑8 SKF > 136 mm. Significant differences in group means were recorded for body mass and waist circumference. All other five circumference sites remained unchanged throughout the day. Findings suggest that if accuracy is required, body mass and waist circumference should be collected in a standardised state. SKF and all five other circumferences can be collected in trained females at any time of day without considering pre-test standard guidelines.

Body composition (BC) offers essential insights into the physical condition and performance capacity of athletes. Several factors can influence athletes’ BC, such as nutrition, which can improve lean mass (LM) and body fat percentage (%BF). This longitudinal observational study aimed to investigate the factors influencing BC in professional female football players, including hormones, dietary habits and physical activity, as these are relevant to their sport performance and health. Data related to dietary habits, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements, serum hormones, menstruation and global position system metrics were collected in November 2023 and late March 2024 from thirty-eight female football players from the Real Sociedad team. Of the thirty-eight players enrolled, thirty-five completed all assessments and were included in the final analyses. Spearman correlations and linear regression analyses were performed. Statistically significant models were executed for %BF and LM (adjusted R2 = 0·55 and 0·47, respectively). For %BF, total testosterone had a positive influence, while high-speed running per minute, follicle-stimulating hormone, distance covered per minute, prolactin and fat intake influenced negatively. In the LM model, positive associations were total testosterone, progesterone, age, adrenocorticotropic hormone and carbohydrate intake, while insulin, distance covered per minute and sex hormone binding globulin had negative associations. These results emphasise the complexity of the factors influencing BC in female football players. Personalising and periodising carbohydrate intake and monitoring training loads are crucial to prevent adverse effects such as higher %BF and muscle catabolism. Establishing healthy nutritional practices is essential for long-term health and performance.

This review aims to (1) provide an overview of research investigating the relationship between body composition, specifically fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM), appetite and energy intake (EI) and (2) to investigate potential mechanisms underlying these relationships, with a focus on ageing. Appetite and EI are influenced by complex, multifactorial pathways involving physiological, psychological, environmental, social and cultural factors. Early research investigating the association of body composition with appetite and EI focused on FM; however, the role of FFM in appetite control is gaining increasing attention. Studies have shown that FFM is positively associated with EI in younger populations, including infants, adolescents and adults. In contrast, FM appears to have no association or a weak inverse association with appetite/EI. However, research in older adults is limited, and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. It has been suggested that one way in which FFM may influence appetite and EI is by impacting resting metabolic rate (RMR). FFM, which includes metabolically active tissues including skeletal muscle and organs, represents the largest determinant of RMR and therefore may influence appetite and EI by ensuring the energetic requirements of crucial tissue-organs and metabolic processes are reached. Given that declines in FFM and RMR are common with ageing, they may be possible targets for interventions aimed at improving appetite and EI. While current evidence in older adults supports a positive association between FFM and appetite, further longitudinal studies are needed to explore this relationship in different contexts, along with the underlying mechanisms.

We aimed to investigate the association of chrono-nutrition components with anthropometric measures and body composition in adults living in Tehran. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 450 healthy adults. The exposures of the study were meal frequency, meal timing, meal irregularity, breakfast skipping, night fasting duration, time of the first and last eating occasion and the time interval from the last meal to bed. The outcomes were BMI, waist circumference, neck circumference (NC), waist:hip ratio, waist:height ratio (WHtR), body adiposity index (BAI), body roundness index (BRI), a body shape index, percentage of body fat (PBF), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass and muscle mass. Bonferroni correction was applied, and the significance level was less than 0·004. Using ANCOVA, after adjusting for confounders, late lunch eating was associated with a lower PBF. There was a positive trend across the tertiles of dinner time with greater WHtR (mean difference = 0·019; Ptrend = 0·025) and BRI (mean difference = 0·24; Ptrend = 0·022). Moreover, increased irregularity at dinner time was associated with higher levels of PBF (Ptrend = 0·026) and FM (Ptrend = 0·025). Also, longer overnight fasting was associated with lower NC (Ptrend = 0·049) and a greater BRI (Ptrend = 0·050). We found differences across the time interval from the last meal to bed with greater means of BAI (Ptrend = 0·026), PBF (Ptrend = 0·014) and FM (Ptrend = 0·020). However, after applying the Bonferroni correction, we found no significant association between chrono-nutrition components and anthropometric measures and body composition in adults living in Tehran. Further studies are necessary to confirm the results.

Neonatal growth assessment during the first 28 days of life is a critical determinant of infant health and survival. Anthropometric measurements provide a simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive means to evaluate neonatal size, nutritional status, and growth, as well as to predict long-term health outcomes. Alongside standard growth curves, methods for assessing neonatal body composition offer additional insights into fat and fat-free mass distribution, which are linked to later risks such as childhood obesity and metabolic complications. This review summarizes the commonly used anthropometric measures and advanced laboratory techniques for assessing neonatal growth and body composition, discusses their advantages and limitations, and highlights the importance of their combined use in clinical and research settings. Understanding these methods is essential for early identification of growth disturbances and for promoting optimal nutrition and health outcomes throughout the life course.

Skinfold callipers are used internationally in research, clinical and field settings to assess body composition and nutritional status. Notably, currently available instruments differ in important specificities that impact measurement. In this sense, this report proposes a methodological approach that organises skinfold callipers into three categories (Original, Generic and Hybrid) and three configurations (Type A, Type B and Type C) based on physical-mechanical properties and characteristics. Therefore, this concept provides technical support for choosing the most appropriate skinfold calliper in different contexts.

We aimed to investigate the association between plasma advanced glycation end products (AGE) level and fat, skeletal muscle-related body composition parameters in middle-aged and elderly Chinese participants. A total of 1139 participants aged over 40 years were included in a cross-sectional study. Body composition including BMI, waist:hip ratio (WHR), fat mass index (FMI), percentage of body fat (PBF), the ratio of trunk fat to legs fat (trunk fat/legs fat), fat free mass (FFM), fat free mass index (FFMI) and skeletal muscle index (SMI) was measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyser. Plasma free and combined AGE were measured by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem MS. Multiple linear regression and weighted quantile sum regression models were used to examine the association between AGE and body composition parameters. Total exposure of plasma advanced glycation end products (AGE) was positively associated with BMI (β (95 % CI): 0·381 (0·037, 0·724), P = 0·030), FMI (β (95 % CI): 0·521 (0·241, 0·800), P = 0·001), PBF (β (95 % CI): 1·996 (1·160, 2·832), P < 0·0001), trunk fat/legs fat (β (95 % CI): 0·058 (0·036, 0·080), P < 0·001); while it was negatively associated with FFM (β (95 % CI): −1·075 (–2·028, –0·122), P = 0·027), FFMI (β (95 % CI): −0·687 (–1·076, –0·297), P = 0·001) and SMI (β (95 % CI): −1·264 (–1·767, –0·761), P < 0·001). The associations between plasma AGE and FFM and FFMI were more pronounced in those aged less than 61 years and female participants. This study provides evidence on the associations between plasma AGE and fat and skeletal muscle parameters, suggesting their potential role in the development of obesity and skeletal muscle loss.

Infants born at high altitudes, such as in the Puno region, typically exhibit higher birthweights than those born at low altitudes; however, the influence of ethnicity on childhood anthropometric patterns in high-altitude settings remains poorly understood. This study aimed to characterise the nutritional status, body composition and indices, and somatotype of Quechua and Aymara children aged 6–10 years. A cross-sectional, descriptive, and comparative design was employed, with a simple random sampling of children from six provinces representative of the Puno region, including 1,289 children of both sexes. Twenty-nine anthropometric measurements were taken, and fat, muscle, and bone components were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Standardised equations were applied to determine body indices. Among the findings, most children presented normal nutritional status according to BMI-for-age and height-for-age Z-scores. However, high rates of overweight and obesity were observed in Aymara (39%) and Quechua (28.4%) children, with differences in fat content between ethnic groups at the 5th, 10th, 50th, and 75th percentiles. Both groups were characterised by brachytypy and brachybrachial proportions; Quechua children were mesoskelic and Aymara brachyskelic, with macrocormic proportions, rectangular trunks, and broad backs. The predominant somatotype was mesomorphic, with a stronger endomorphic tendency among Aymara. It is concluded that both groups exhibit normal nutritional status; however, Aymara children show a greater tendency towards fat accumulation and notable morphological differences. Differences were also observed in limb proportions, particularly a relatively shorter lower limb.

Proper nutrition enhances athletes’ performance and recovery during sports activities. This review aims to investigate the effects of nutrition education interventions on dietary intake, nutrition knowledge, and body composition of female athletes. From a comprehensive search, we identified twenty single-arm and eight double-arm studies that met the inclusion criteria. The interventions in these studies ranged from personalised consultations to group workshops. The mode of delivery was mainly face-to-face. Most of these interventions consisted of group sessions with variable duration and frequency. From the studies finally included, nutrition education intervention significantly increased the nutrition knowledge of female athletes in 76% and improved their dietary intake in 67%. However, only 44% of the studies that measured changes in body composition reported significant changes. Moreover, only a minority of studies (14%) maintained follow-up assessments to measure the lasting impact of the interventions. Overall, 60% of interventions were delivered by professional nutritionists or dietitians, ensuring high-quality education. There is a need for standardised methodologies and more robust study designs to better assess the effectiveness of nutrition education interventions. Knowing athletes’ preferences when planning education may improve engagement and intervention efficacy. Also, longer-term follow-up of athletes would allow for a more accurate evaluation of the consolidation of acquired knowledge. Including coaches in nutrition education interventions would probably amplify the impact on athletes’ dietary behaviours. Nutrition education can positively influence the knowledge and eating habits of female athletes, but its effect on body composition represents an area where much remains to be explored.

Understanding the interplay between adiposity and histopathological features of colorectal tumours is crucial for advancing strategies in disease management. We conducted a retrospective cohort study over an 8-year period (2007–2015), including patients who underwent surgical resection for colorectal cancer (CRC). Body composition was assessed via computed tomography (CT) at the level of the third lumbar vertebra, with visceral adipose tissue (VATd) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SATd) radiodensities stratified into tertiles. Systemic inflammatory status was evaluated using the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Logistic regression was employed to analyse the relationship between variables, using OR with 95 % CI. The Cox proportional hazards model assessed hazard ratios (HR) with 95 % CI. A total of 231 patients were included (48·9 % men, 51·1 % women), with 93·6 % in CRC stages II and III. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that CRC stages II and III (OR = 5·15, 95 % CI: 1·60, 16·62; OR = 5·16, 95 % CI: 1·59, 16·77) and low VATd (1st and 2nd tertiles; OR = 2·43, 95 % CI: 1·30, 4·53) were associated with the presence of desmoplasia. In the multivariate Cox analyses, only stage III disease (HR = 4·77, 95 % CI: 1·09, 20·89) and moderate to accentuated fibrous stroma (HR = 1·90, 95 % CI: 1·03, 3·46) were identified as predictors of reduced overall survival. These findings suggest that increased visceral adiposity may contribute to the development of a desmoplastic tumour microenvironment. Moreover, the presence of moderate to accentuated fibrous stroma is significantly associated with poorer long-term survival in patients with CRC.

The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research recommend a plant-based diet to cancer survivors, which may reduce chronic inflammation and excess adiposity associated with worse survival. We investigated associations of plant-based dietary patterns with inflammation biomarkers and body composition in the Pathways Study, in which 3659 women with breast cancer provided validated food frequency questionnaires approximately 2 months after diagnosis. We derived three plant-based diet indices: overall plant-based diet index (PDI), healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI) and unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI). We assayed circulating inflammation biomarkers related to systemic inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP]), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13). We estimated areas (cm2) of muscle and visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT and SAT) from computed tomography scans. Using multivariable linear regression, we calculated the differences in inflammation biomarkers and body composition for each index. Per 10-point increase for each index: hsCRP was significantly lower by 6·9 % (95 % CI 1·6%, 11·8%) for PDI and 9·0 % (95 % CI 4·9%, 12·8%) for hPDI but significantly higher by 5·4 % (95 % CI 0·5%, 10·5%) for uPDI, and VAT was significantly lower by 7·8 cm2 (95 % CI 2·0 cm2, 13·6 cm2) for PDI and 8·6 cm2 (95 % CI 4·1 cm2, 13·2 cm2) for hPDI but significantly higher by 6·2 cm2 (95 % CI 1·3 cm2, 11·1 cm2) for uPDI. No significant associations were observed for other inflammation biomarkers, muscle, or SAT. A plant-based diet, especially a healthful plant-based diet, may be associated with reduced inflammation and visceral adiposity among breast cancer survivors.

Pregnancy and lactation change women’s body composition (BC), but few longitudinal studies have investigated postpartum BC trajectories. We aimed to investigate maternal and infant predictors of maternal body fat (BF), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM) and BMI trajectories during lactation. Longitudinal study with 234 Brazilian mother–infant dyads followed at 1·0–3·49, 3·5–5·99 and 6·0–8·5 months postpartum. Maternal BC was estimated using bioelectrical impedance at all follow-up points. Longitudinal mixed–effects models with interaction terms with time (weeks postpartum) were employed. FFM declined significantly over weeks postpartum (β = −0·02 kg; 95 % CI –0·03, −0·01). Pre-pregnancy overweight women experienced an increase in all body components (BF: β = 4·91 %, 95 % CI 3·79, 6·04; FM: β = 6·46 kg, 95 % CI 5·26, 7·67; FFM: β = 3·72 kg, 95 % CI 2·80, 4·65) and BMI (β = 4·51 kg/m2, 95 % CI 3·91, 5·12). Multiparous women showed BMI increases (β = 0·76 kg/m2, 95 % CI 0·11, 1·41), and those who delivered by caesarean had FFM (β = 1·87 kg, 95 % CI 0·67, 3·07) and BMI (β = 1·39 kg/m2, 95 % CI 0·61, 2·18) increases. Women who birthed girls had reductions in FM (β = −1·24 kg, 95 % CI –2·41, −0·07) and FFM (β = −0·93 kg, 95 % CI –1·84, −0·01). Interactions occurred between maternal age ≥ 30 years, higher family income, multiparity and infant sex for BC and BMI trajectories. Maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, parity, family income, mode of delivery and infant sex predict maternal BC and BMI trajectories.

An assessment of systemic inflammation and nutritional status may form the basis of a framework to examine the prognostic value of cachexia in patients with advanced cancer. The objective of the study was to examine the prognostic value of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria, including BMI, weight loss (WL) and systemic inflammation (as measured by the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS)), in advanced cancer patients. Three criteria were examined in a combined cohort of patients with advanced cancer, and their relationship with survival was examined using Cox regression methods. Data were available on 1303 patients. Considering BMI and the mGPS, the 3-month survival rate varied from 74 % (BMI > 28 kg/m2) to 61 % (BMI < 20 kg/m2) and from 84 % (mGPS 0) to 60 % (mGPS 2). Considering WL and the mGPS, the 3-month survival rate varied from 81 % (WL ± 2·4 %) to 47 % (WL ≥ 15 %) and from 93 % (mGPS 0) to 60 % (mGPS 2). Considering BMI/WL grade and mGPS, the 3-month survival rate varied from 86 % (BMI/WL grade 0) to 59 % (BMI/WL grade 4) and from 93 % (mGPS 0) to 63 % (mGPS 2). When these criteria were combined, they better predicted survival. On multivariate survival analysis, the most highly predictive factors were BMI/WL grade 3 (HR 1·454, P = 0·004), BMI/WL grade 4 (HR 2·285, P < 0·001) and mGPS 1 and 2 (HR 1·889, HR 2·545, all P < 0·001). In summary, a high BMI/WL grade and a high mGPS as outlined in the BMI/WL grade/mGPS framework were consistently associated with poorer survival of patients with advanced cancer. It can be readily incorporated into the routine assessment of patients.

We investigated associations between ‘healthy dietary pattern’ scores, at ages 36, 43, 53 and 60–64 years, and body composition at age 60–64 years among participants from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD). Principal component analyses of dietary data (food diaries) at age 60–64 years were used to calculate diet scores (healthy dietary pattern scores) at each age. Higher scores indicated healthier diets (higher consumption of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain bread). Linear regression was used to investigate associations between diet scores at each age and height-adjusted dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-measured fat and lean mass measures at age 60–64 years. Analyses, adjusting for sex and other potential confounders (age, smoking history, physical activity and occupational class), were implemented among 692 men and women. At age 43, 53 and 60–64 years, higher diet scores were associated with lower fat mass index (FMI) and android:gynoid fat mass ratio; for example, in fully adjusted analyses, a standard deviation (sd) increase in diet score at age 60–64 years was associated with an SD difference in mean FMI of −0·18 (95 % CI: −0·25, −0·10). In conditional analyses, higher diet scores at ages 43, 53 and 60–64 years (than expected from diet scores at younger ages) were associated with lower FMI and android:gynoid fat mass ratio in fully adjusted analyses. Diet scores at age 36 years had weaker associations with the outcomes considered. No associations regarding appendicular lean mass index were robust after full adjustment. This suggests that improvements in diet through adulthood are linked to beneficial effects on adiposity in older age.