Body-composition prediction equations were developed using data from a sample of 201 female and male Guatemalan ladinos (ie, people of Amerindian-European descent) aged 11-25 y. Fat-free mass (FFM) values were estimated from body density by using the two-component model and age- and sex-specific values for the density of FFM. The root-mean-square error (RMSE) of the best model predicting FFM from a set of simple anthropometric variables was 1.59 kg for females and 1.90 kg for males. The addition of more extensive anthropometry to the set of candidate predictors reduced the RMSE to 1.42 kg for females and 1.88 kg for males. The subsequent addition of a bioelectrical impedance measure (Ht2/R) further reduced the RMSE to 1.32 kg for females and 1.82 kg for males. These results suggest that for a marginally undernourished population with relatively little body fat, simple anthropometrics are as useful as more sophisticated measures for the prediction of body composition.

Background: As the incidence of overweight continues to increase among children and adolescents in Guatemala, underweight remains a prominent health problem. However, the prevalence of overweight or underweight and associated risk factors has not been investigated among adolescent girls. Objective: To determine the prevalence of underweight and overweight/obesity and associated sociodemographic, dietary, and lifestyle factors among adolescent girls in Jutiapa, Guatemala. Methods: A cross-sectional study of a subsample of 392 girls aged 12 to 17 years from an agriculture-nutrition trial was conducted. Anthropometric data were obtained using standard methods. Sociodemographic, dietary, and lifestyle data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted using underweight (body mass index [BMI] for age <5th percentile) and overweight/obesity (BMI for age ≥85th percentile) as outcome variables. Results: The prevalence of underweight and overweight/obesity was 9.9% and 15.6%, respectively. Age (15-17 years), high waist circumference, high blood pressure, father being a farmer, large family (>5 persons), hours spent watching TV, and high red meat consumption were significantly associated with underweight. Whereas being in school, high waist circumference, high blood pressure, overweight/obese mother, unemployed father, watching TV for more than 2 hours, having soft drinks at home, and meeting fruit recommendations were significantly associated with overweight/obesity. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of concurrently addressing underweight and overweight/obesity among adolescent girls in rural Guatemala. Studies in various parts of the country are needed to confirm the results of the present study and for appropriate strategies to be implemented to reduce both underweight and overweight.

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