Effect of Energy Intake on Percentage Body Fat as Measured by Bia and Cun-Bae Equation Formula: A Comparative Study of Body Fat Measurement Methods

Abstract

Introduction: Body composition is becoming important to be taken into account, as it is not only an integral part of individual nutritional assessment but also as a biomarker in acute or chronic diseases. Percentage and distribution of body fat is clinically most interest as it play a significant role in determining cardiovascular risk. Various modern methods have been developed to determine percentage body fat for hospital setting, however, low-cost body composition technology for health surveillance is also required. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of energy intake on percentage body fat and to determine whether the CUN-BAE equation formula has an accuracy comparable to BIA, so that it can used as a low-cost body composition technology for health surveillance. Material and Method: This crossed sectional study is part of The Jember Body composition Study. This study invited 84 female dental students with an ideal range of Body Mass Index (21.06±0.17) to participate in this study. Calorie intake was calculated using the 24 hour recall method. Assessment of percentage body fat was performed using Bioelectrical Impedance Analyzer (BIA) and CUN-BAE equation formula. Result: Total energy intake was positively associated with total body fat in female dental students, higher energy intake was associated with higher percentage body fat as determined by CUN-BAE equation (95% CI 16.69, 16.94) as well as by BIA (95% CI 14.11, 15.38). Percentage body fat determine by the CUN-BAE equation method was highly correlated with that determine by the BIA method (95% CI -1.07, 0.33). The average results of FM measurements by the two measurement methods are also same. Conclusion: Higher energy intake is associated with higher percentage body fat. The CUN-BAE equation method has the same accuracy as the BIA method in calculating percentage fat mass. CUN-BAE equation formula is simple and suitable for low-cost body composition assessment method to assess percentage body fat in a population based study.