Body Composition Estimation: Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, Skinfold Thickness Measurement or Anthropometry?

BACKGROUND: The body fat percentage is determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, skinfold thickness measurement, and anthropometry. Skinfold thickness measurement and anthropometry are the most prevalent, yet less accurate, methods of body composition estimation. Body fat measurements obtained using different formulas based on skinfold thickness and anthropometry have not yet been compared to each other or to those obtained using bioelectrical impedance analysis in the Russian population. AIM: The study aimed to compare body fat percentage measured through bioelectrical impedance analysis and 15 different methods based on skinfold thickness, body mass index, as well as neck, waist, hip, and thigh circumferences. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included participants aged 17 to 30 years who provided informed consent. The main study parameters included sex, age, body weight, height, and skinfold thickness (above the triceps, above the biceps, chest, anterior axillary line, infrascapular region, above iliac crest, abdomen, and anterior thigh), as well as neck, waist, hip, and thigh circumferences. Accuniq BC720 was used to perform a bioelectrical impedance analysis with 15 body fat estimation formulas. RESULTS: The body fat percentage ranged from 17.6% [14.7%; 20.4%] to 41.8% [39.5%; 43.1%] in women and from 7.2% [5.2%; 10.2%] to 29.1% [27.5%; 31.5%] in men, depending on the formulas used. The body fat percentages most comparable to the bioelectrical impedance analysis data were obtained using two formulas: the U.S. Navy body fat estimation formula for women and the Davidson formula for men. Bioelectrical impedance analysis can identify people with excess body fat, even if they have a normal body mass index, body fat percentage, or waist-to-hip ratio. CONCLUSION: The U.S. Navy formula for women and the Davidson formula for men were the most accurate at determining body fat percentage, and they produced results comparable to those of bioelectrical impedance analysis. More research and specific formulas are needed to calculate body fat percentage in the Russian population.