Abstract
BackgroundMethods used to estimate percent body fat can be classified as a laboratory or field technique. However, the validity of these methods compared to multiple-compartment models has not been fully established. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of field and laboratory methods for estimating percent fat (%fat) in healthy college-age men compared to the Siri three-compartment model (3C).MethodsThirty-one Caucasian men (22.5 ± 2.7 yrs; 175.6 ± 6.3 cm; 76.4 ± 10.3 kg) had their %fat estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) using the BodyGram™ computer program (BIA-AK) and population-specific equation (BIA-Lohman), near-infrared interactance (NIR) (Futrex® 6100/XL), four circumference-based military equations [Marine Corps (MC), Navy and Air Force (NAF), Army (A), and Friedl], air-displacement plethysmography (BP), and hydrostatic weighing (HW).ResultsAll circumference-based military equations (MC = 4.7% fat, NAF = 5.2% fat, A = 4.7% fat, Friedl = 4.7% fat) along with NIR (NIR = 5.1% fat) produced an unacceptable total error (TE). Both laboratory methods produced acceptable TE values (HW = 2.5% fat; BP = 2.7% fat). The BIA-AK, and BIA-Lohman field methods produced acceptable TE values (2.1% fat). A significant difference was observed for the MC and NAF equations compared to both the 3C model and HW (p < 0.006).ConclusionResults indicate that the BP and HW are valid laboratory methods when compared to the 3C model to estimate %fat in college-age Caucasian men. When the use of a laboratory method is not feasible, BIA-AK, and BIA-Lohman are acceptable field methods to estimate %fat in this population.
Highlights
Methods used to estimate percent body fat can be classified as a laboratory or field technique
Both bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) (BIA-AK, BIA-Lohman) field methods resulted in acceptable total error (TE) values (≤ 2.1% fat), while all military circumference-based equations (MC, Navy and Air Force (NAF), A, Friedl) and near-infrared interactance (NIR) resulted in unacceptable TE values (≥ 4.7% fat)
Total body mass and lean body mass are used in the calculation of %fat; total body water (TBW) differences may exist across race, sex, age, and health status
Summary
Methods used to estimate percent body fat can be classified as a laboratory or field technique. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of field and laboratory methods for estimating percent fat (%fat) in healthy college-age men compared to the Siri three-compartment model (3C). Accurate assessment of body composition is necessary in order to monitor obesity class, nutritional status, training outcomes, and general health [1] Validated laboratory methods, such as hydrostatic weighing (HW), and multiple compartment models, like the three-compartment (3C) model, are impractical to use in large population studies. NIR and BIA are appealing field methods due to the safety, noninvasiveness, and speed of administration when compared to laboratory techniques that require some risk, expensive equipment, and trained personnel [7]. If the use of military circumference-based equations is valid for estimating %fat in college-age men, this could be another rapid and non-invasive method of determining %fat. If acceptable agreement is found to exist between established laboratory methods, like the 3C model and field methods, such as NIR, BIA, and circumference-based equations, these field methods could provide potential alternatives to cumbersome laboratory methods
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