Comparative analysis of body composition results of university students obtained using two bioimpedance analyzers.

Abstract

Body composition is a key health indicator that distinguishes between fat mass and lean mass, factors associated with the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Among measurement methods, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is widely used, with single- and multi-frequency devices showing differences in performance.

Objective: To compare the accuracy of the OMRON^® HBF-514C (single-frequency) and BIODY XPERT ZM II^® (multi-frequency) bioimpedance analyzers in measuring body composition in university students.

Materials and methods: An observational, cross-sectional, and comparative study was con-ducted with 40 students (20 men, 20 women) from the University of Caldas, without a history of metabolic diseases. Body fat, muscle mass, basal metabolic rate (BMR), and BMI were measured using both devices. Data normality was assessed, and means were compared using the student's t-test (p < 0.05).

Results: In women, Biody showed significantly higher values for body fat, muscle mass, and basal metabolic rate compared to Omron (p < 0.05), with no differences in BMI. In men, only muscle mass and basal metabolic rate were significantly higher with Biody (p < 0.05), with no differences in body fat or BMI.

Conclusions: Biody showed significantly higher values than Omron for muscle mass and basal metabolic rate. In women, the differences exceeded the acceptable 5% variability, suggesting that multifrequency devices may offer greater consistency. Although no gold standard was used, Omron could be a valid alternative in men.