Fat mass and fat-free mass as indicators of body composition among Bengalee Muslim children

Abstract

Background: The composition of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) are now considered to be important indicators of body composition.Aim: This cross-sectional study determines the body composition using FM and FFM among children.Subjects and methods: The study was conducted among 1248 children (619 boys; 629 girls) aged 5–12 years and belonging to the Bengalee Muslim population of West Bengal, India. Anthropometric measurements of height, weight, triceps and sub-scapular skin-folds were recorded and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Body composition was assessed using FM and FFM.Results: The age-specific mean values of FM and FFM ranged from 1.93–3.07 kg (boys) and 1.91–3.62 kg (girls) and from 14.69–23.44 kg (boys) and 14.18–22.87 kg (girls), respectively. Statistically significant sex differences were observed in FM and FFM (p < 0.05). Age- and sex-specific smooth percentile curves were derived for BMI, FM and FFM using the L, M and S modelling approach for further evaluation of body composition.Conclusion: These findings are important for future investigations in the field and in epidemiological and clinical settings so as to accurately identify risk of lower or higher adiposity and body composition using FM and FFM.