Abstract
Purpose: This investigation examined the accuracy of several generalizable anthropometric (ANTHRO) and bioelectrical impedance (BIA) regression equations to estimate % body fat (%BF) in women with either upper body (UB) or lower body (LB) fat distribution patterns. Methods: Thirty-six premenopausal women were individually matched for age (X̄ = 38.6 ± 6.6 yr), BMI (X̄ = 25.5 ± 4.2 kg-m-2) and %BF (30.3 ± 8.1%; hydrostatic, [UWW]) and placed by waist to hip ratio (WHR) into two distinct groups: LB (N = 18; WHR ≤ 0.73) and UB (N = 18; WHR ≥ 0.80). Equations tested were ANTHRO: Jackson et al. (JPW-7 and 3 site), 1980; Dumin and Womersley (DW), 1974; Tran and Weltman (TW), 1989; and Vogel et al. (V), 1988; BIA: Lohman (L), 1992; Gray et al. (G), 1989; and VanLoan and Mayclin (VLM), 1987. Circumference and skinfold measures were made by a trained technician. BIA (Vallhalla, 1990B) measures were taken 4 h postprandially under controlled conditions of water intake and exercise. %BF by UWW (criterion) was not different between groups (UB = 30.8 ± 8.2%; LB = 29.7 ± 8%). Results: In the UB group, three of five ANTHRO equations significantly overestimated %BF by approximately 6% (range = 3-8%) as compared with UWW. BIA overestimated %BF in UB by 5% using G and in both groups by about 6% using VLM, whereas L underestimated %BF in LB by about 4%. Conclusion: We conclude that ANTHRO and some BIA equations are accurate for predicting %BF in LB fat 'shaped' women but are not appropriate for women with primarily abdominal fat patterning.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1068-1075 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Medicine and science in sports and exercise |
Volume | 31 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 17 1999 |
Keywords
- Body Composition
- Body Fat Distribution
- Densitometry
- Percent Body Fat
- Skinfolds
- Waist to Hip Ratio
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation