Regional body fat distribution assessment by bioelectrical impedance analysis and its correlation with anthropometric indices

Objective

The purpose of this study is to assess the validity of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) to characterize the regional fat distribution among female and its correlation with anthropometric indices.

Materials and methods

The following indices were carried out: weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist hip index (WC + HC) of random samples (209) of women (age, 32–85 years). The segmental body fat percentages were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Hand-to-Hand and Foot-to-Foot Body Analyzer devices were used to estimate upper and lower body fat percent (BF %), respectively. Upper and lower body fat measurements were used to calculate total body fat. Agreement between the variables was assessed by scatter plots.

Results

The plots of upper and lower percent body fat (BF %) against waist and hip circumferences revealed significant correlation values of (r = 0.949) and (r = 0.942), respectively. The total of upper and lower body fat ratios showed a stronger correlation with the BMI than those of severally. Weak to fear correlations between upper and lower body fat percent, with BMI were observed.

Conclusion

The results indicated that the BIA technique of estimating segmental body fat percent associated with the anthropometrical indices (WC, HC) has the potential to determine adiposity risk available for use in large epidemiological studies.