Predictive Validity of the Body Adiposity Index in Overweight and Obese Adults Using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry

Abstract

The body adiposity index (BAI) is a recent anthropometric measure proven to be valid in predicting body fat percentage (BF%) in some populations. However, the results have been inconsistent across populations. This study was designed to verify the validity of BAI in predicting BF% in a sample of overweight/obese adults, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) as the reference method. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 48 participants (54% women, mean age 41.0 ± 7.3 years old). DEXA was used as the “gold standard” to determine BF%. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the association between BAI and BF%, as assessed by DEXA. A paired sample t-test was used to test differences in mean BF% obtained with BAI and DEXA methods. To evaluate the concordance between BF% as measured by DEXA and as estimated by BAI, we used Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman agreement analysis. The correlation between BF% obtained by DEXA and that estimated by BAI was r = 0.844, p < 0.001. Paired t-test showed a significant mean difference in BF% between methods (BAI = 33.3 ± 6.2 vs. DEXA 39.0 ± 6.1; p < 0.001). The bias of the BAI was −6.0 ± 3.0 BF% (95% CI = −12.0 to 1.0), indicating that the BAI method significantly underestimated the BF% compared to the reference method. Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient was considered stronger (ρc = 0.923, 95% CI = 0.862 to 0.957). In obese adults, BAI presented low agreement with BF% measured by DEXA; therefore, BAI is not recommended for BF% prediction in this overweight/obese sample studied.

Similar cardiometabolic effects of high- and moderate-intensity training among apparently healthy inactive adults: a randomized clinical trial

“…The percentages of body fat mass and lean mass were obtained using the Tetrapolar Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) system (SECA mBCA 515 ® , HANS E. RÜTH S.A, Hamburgo Alemania), with subjects standing barefoot on the metal contacts. This method was previously validated by experts in the field [44]. Our lab’s analysis showed strong agreement between the two methods as reflected in the range of BF%.…”

Validation of multi‐frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis versus dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry to measure body fat percentage in overweight/obese Colombian adults

“…The methodology for this study has been previously described (Ramírez‐Vélez et al, ). The sample population for this study consisted of 48 voluntary participants (54% women) with ages ranging from 30 to 50 years.…”

The Role of Body Adiposity Index in Determining Body Fat Percentage in Colombian Adults with Overweight or Obesity

“…Correlation between the variables was assessed by Pearson’s correlation coefficient, adjusted for age, socioeconomic status, and the KIDMED index. In addition, for each sex and for different levels of adiposity, paired sample t -tests, Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient ( ρc ), and Bland-Altman analyses were used to determine differences in mean BF% obtained with the BAI-BF% and BIA-BF% methods [ 7 , 18 ].…”

“…A routinely-applicable indicator for the evaluation of body fat percentage (BF%), with higher sensitivity and specificity than classic anthropometric parameters (such as waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and BF%), would be a valuable instrument for determining the presence of excess adiposity [ 7 ]. Such a technique would also be useful to validate methods and for clinical, epidemiological, and research purposes [ 8 ].…”

“…Because the index was developed in samples of Mexican American and African American individuals, the effectiveness of BAI-BF% as an alternative measure for BF% and the validity of BAI-BF% in predicting BF% by sex need further investigation. To our knowledge, no previous studies have compared BAI-BF% with BIA-BF% in a detailed assessment of body composition for overweight/obesity in a Colombian population [ 7 , 18 , 25 , 26 ]. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy of BAI as a convenient tool for assessing BF% in a sample of adults with overweight/obesity using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).…”