Anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance inconsistently predicts fatness in women with regional adiposity.
OBJECTIVE
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 (X = 38.6 +/- 6.6 yr), BMI (X = 25.5 +/- 4.2 kg x 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 < or = 0.73) and UB (N = 18; WHR > or = 0.80). Equations tested were ANTHRO: Jackson et al. (JPW-7 and 3 site), 1980; Durnin 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%.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Department of Exercise Science and Physical Education, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-0701, USA. pswan@asu.edu
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PD
Swan
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McConnell
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods*; D001823:Body Composition; D001834:Body Water / Q000502:physiology; D017097:Electric Impedance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012885:Skinfold Thickness