Relative fat content in young women with normal BMI but differing in the degree of physical activity.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between BMI and relative body fat content. Three groups of women, aged 20-29 years and having normal BMI values, differing in the degree of practiced physical activities were studied: low activity (n=59), medium activity (n=46) and high activity (n=56). Body fat content was determined by infrared photometry (FUTREX). The percentages of women with excessive fat content (over 25%) from those 3 groups significantly differed and amounted to 44, 32 and 23, respectively. It was concluded that with increasing level of physical activities the percentage of young women with an excessive body fat content, but with BMI within normal limits, decreases. Thus, BMI ought not to be used as an indicator of body composition as it does not reflect body fat content. Individual counselling should be based on both measures, BMI and relative body fat content, taken together.
Sempolska
Katarzyna
K
Department of Physiology, Academy of Physical Education, Marymoncka 34, 00-968 Warsaw. sempa@o2.pl
Stupnicki
Romuald
R
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D001823:Body Composition; D001827:Body Height; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011859:Radiography