Criterion-Related Validity of Field-Based Methods and Equations for Body Composition Estimation in Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose of Review Overweight and obesity are associated to health prognosis. Therefore, body composition assessment is an important health outcome, especially in adult population. We analyzed the criterion-related validity of existing field-based methods and equations for body composition estimation in adults aged 19–64 years. Recent Findings One hundred studies met inclusion criteria. The field-based methods, waist circumference (WC), body adiposity index (BAI), and body mass index (BMI) are valid to indicate body adiposity. Likewise, several equations, including the classical Durnin/Womersley equation, Jackson/Pollock equation (males), and Jackson, Pollock, and Ward equation (females), are valid to estimate total body fat mass or body fat percentage. Summary Anthropometric field methods can provide a simple, quick, and easy informative indicators of adiposity in adults. Classical equations, such as Durnin/Womersley equation, Jackson/Pollock equation, and Jackson, Pollock, and Ward equation, are still valid to estimate total body fat mass or body fat percentage in adult population. When choosing estimation equations, specific population characteristics, such as age, weight status, or race ethnicity, should be taken into account. (Trial Registration: Registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020194272)). Graphical abstract

Science behind policy: Implementing a modern circumference-based body fat equation with a physical fitness threshold is associated with lower musculoskeletal injury risk

“…Body composition methodology and technologies vary in accuracy and applications. The two methods selected, CBE and BIA, for investigation in this study have similar ranges of accuracy as reported in the literature [15,27].…”

“…Therefore, potential limitations to BIA's utility for some assessment settings is inability to ensure that those being measured have a normal hydration status and reliability of measurement across sex, race, and ethnicity in a large population [14]. Circumference-based equations (CBE) are a clinically accepted assessment technique to estimate percent body fat (%BF), and are widely used because of their minimal footprint, low-cost, and time efficient [15].…”

Associations of change in body fat percentage with baseline body composition and diabetes remission after bariatric surgery

“…[48]. Furthermore, prediction equations for adult body composition have been demonstrated to provide accurate results, minimizing prediction errors when compared with “gold‐standard” methods [49].…”

Effects of physical activity interventions on anthropometric indicators and health indices in Chilean children and adolescents: A protocol for systematic review and/or meta-analysis

“…Although technological advances have allowed the creation of more precise instruments such as magnetic resonance imaging or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, [15,16] anthropometric measures and health indices are widely used, mainly due to their low cost, simple application, and validity for estimating body size. [17,18] In this context, government authorities in Chile have developed manuals that incorporate anthropometric indicators and the calculation of health indices to monitor the comprehensive health of children and adolescents. [19][20][21] Specifically, they are included for the diagnosis and follow-up of PA interventions aimed at preventing or treating overweight and obesity.…”

“…Although technological advances have allowed the creation of more precise instruments such as magnetic resonance imaging or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, [15,16] anthropometric measures and health indices are widely used, mainly due to their low cost, simple application, and validity for estimating body size. [17,18]…”