Which of the following statements is true regarding body fat assessment?

The statement about subcutaneous fat being proportional to total body fat is accurate because subcutaneous fat, which is the fat stored just beneath the skin, accounts for a significant portion of total body fat in most individuals. While subcutaneous fat does not represent all body fat, there is a well-established correlation between the amount of subcutaneous fat and total body fat percentage. This relationship allows for estimations of overall body fat based on skinfold measurements at various sites on the body.

In contrast, the other statements differ from this understanding. For instance, skinfold thickness being inversely proportional to body fat is misleading; as skinfold thickness increases, it typically indicates higher body fat, not lower. The claim that only hydrostatic weighing is accurate fails to consider other valid methods, including DEXA, which is known for its precision and reliability. Lastly, DEXA is considered more reliable than skinfold measurements due to its ability to differentiate between various tissues, such as lean mass and fat mass, providing a comprehensive view of body composition.