Comparison of bioelectrical impedance analysis and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for the assessment of appendicular body composition in anorexic women.
OBJECTIVE
To establish the accuracy of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) for the assessment of appendicular body composition in anorexic women.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Outpatient University Clinic.


METHODS
A total of 39 anorexic and 25 control women with a mean (s.d.) age of 21 (3) y.


METHODS
Total, arm and leg fat-free mass (FFM) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and predicted from total and segmental BIA at 50 kHz. The predictor variable was the resistance index (Rl), that is, the ratio of height (2) to body resistance for the whole body and the ratio of length(2)/limb resistance for the arm and leg.


RESULTS
Predictive equations developed on controls overestimated total, arm and leg FFM in anorexics (P<0.0001). Population-specific equations gave a satisfactory estimate of total and appendicular FFM in anorexics (P=NS) but had higher percent root mean square errors (RMSEs%) as compared to those developed on controls (8% vs 5% for whole body, 12% vs 10% for arm and 10% vs 8% for leg). The accuracy of the estimate of total and leg FFM in anorexics was improved by adding body weight (Wt) as a predictor with Rl (RMSE%=5% vs 8% and 7% vs 10%, respectively). However, the same accuracy was obtained using Wt alone, suggesting that in anorexics, BIA at 50 kHz is not superior to Wt for assessing total and leg FFM.


CONCLUSIONS
BIA shows some potential for the assessment of appendicular body composition in anorexic women. However, Wt is preferable to BIA at 50 kHz on practical grounds. Further studies should consider whether frequencies >50 kHz give better estimates of appendicular composition in anorexics as compared to Wt.


BACKGROUND
University of Napoli.
Bedogni
G
G
Human Nutrition Chair, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy. georgiobedogni@libero.it
Marra
M
M
Bianchi
L
L
Malavolti
M
M
Nicolai
E
E
De Filippo
E
E
Scalfi
L
L
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D000855:Anorexia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001132:Arm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017097:Electric Impedance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests