Empirically derived new equations for calculating body fat percentage based on skinfold thickness and midarm circumference in preschool Indian children

Abstract

We wanted to develop and apply new equations based on skinfold and midarm measurements for estimating %fat in preschool children suitable for field use. Prediction equations were developed on preschool-aged urban boys (n = 100) and girls (n = 84). Skinfolds at four sites and midarm measurements were regressed on %fat derived from equations based on height and weight and from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA; resistance at 50 kHz). These equations were applied: 1) to 12 children in whom the %fat was determined using D2O dilution, and 2) to 50 children in whom their %fat was derived using height-weight and BIA equations. The 95% limits of agreement (mean +/- 2 SD) for %fat derived by anthropometry and by new equations were within 1.7% in boys (r = 0.85; P < 0.001) and girls (r = 0.90; P < 0.001) and by BIA and new equations were within 1.5% in boys (r = 0.82; P < 0.001) and 2% in girls (r = 0.88; P < 0.001). For %fat measured by D2O dilution and new equations, 95% limits of agreement was within 1.3% (r = 0.98; P < 0.001). In 50 children 95% limits of agreement between anthropometry and new equations were within 1.8% in boys (r = 0.88; P < 0.001) and 1.4% in girls (r = 0.92; P < 0.001) and between BIA and new equations were within 1% in boys (r = 0.91; P < 0.001) and 1.5% in girls (r = 0.89; P < 0.001). The new equations for measuring %fat based on midarm circumference and skinfold measurements are rapid and accurate for South Asian children and should be useful for prediction of body composition and nutritional survey in field studies.

Aboriginal birth cohort (ABC): a prospective cohort study of early life determinants of adiposity and associated risk factors among Aboriginal people in Canada

“…This method has been validated against DXA in newborns [31] and among children aged 4–10 years [32]. The correlation coefficient of equation-estimated percent body fat in newborns compared to DXA is 0.92 and among children aged 4–10 years, 0.88 [31].…”

“…The correlation coefficient of equation-estimated percent body fat in newborns compared to DXA is 0.92 and among children aged 4–10 years, 0.88 [31]. The reliability of these estimates range from 99.5 to 99.8% [30-32]. In the ABC all newborns and infants will have skinfold thickness measured (biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac) at birth and at each annual visit.…”

Body composition prediction equations based on deuterium oxide dilution method in Mexican children: a national study

“…25 However, the new equation resulted in a better SRMSE than other reported anthropometric equations based on isotope dilution and DXA in non-Caucasian children, where body weight, Tricp-SKF and age were the main predictor variables. [26][27][28] The practical measurements of Tricp-SKF and weight could have advantages in indigenous communities, when cultural barriers restrict access to other skinfolds in the body, or in studies where BIA measurements are not feasible.…”

Nutritional status and delirium in long-term care elderly individuals

“…Currently, federal regulators in the U.S. require little more than documentation regarding weight loss . Studies of body composition in younger and middle-aged adults in the United States are usually based on anthropometric data with measures of body weight, stature, skinfold thicknesses, and circumferences (Maitland, Myers, Hipp, Hayes, & Greenspan, 1993;Shaikh & Mahalanabis, 2004;Tai, Ho, Fok, & Tan, 1999). These measures provide correlates of fatness (i.e.…”