Body Fat Percentage In Children Research Articles

Neck Circumference and Its Relation with Body Fat Percentage in Children 5-10 Years Old.

Neck circumference (NC) has been proposed as an indicator of upper trunk adiposity and a potential indicator of metabolic risk. The objective was to evaluate NC and its correlation with body fat percentage (BF%) and other indicators of adiposity in children with normal weight, overweight, and obesity. In a cross-sectional study, 112 children 5 to 10 years of age were included in the outpatient clinic from a public hospital. Measures of weight and height to calculate BMI (kg/m2), NC, mid-upper arm circumference, waist circumference, and tricipital skinfold thickness. Body composition measurements were performed using an electrical bioimpedance device (BIA). The relationship between anthropometric variables and BF% obtained by BIA was determined using Spearman correlation tests. Multivariate models were constructed with BF% as the dependent variable and anthropometric parameters as independent. In the entire group, there was a direct correlation between NC and BF% (r = 0.50, p < 0.001), but lost statistical significance in the case of normal weight. The relationship maintained its significance in subjects from the overweight and obesity groups. In multivariate models, BMI exhibited the highest correlation with BF%, followed by waist circumference and mid-upper arm circumference; for NC, the R2 value was 0.30 (p < 0.001). Neck circumference is useful in the screening of population groups with the advantage of not requiring any specialized instruments for its measurement other than a tape measure. BMI and waist circumference were the best indicators of general and central adiposity, respectively.

Association Between Hydration and Body-Fat Percentage in Children in Miami-Dade: Preliminary Data From the MetA-Bone Trial

ObjectivesBackground: Children 9–13 years old in the US have suboptimal hydration status, with an average water intake of 496 mL/d (adequate intake for water is 2,100 mL/d in girls and 2,400 mL/d in boys, as per the Institute of Medicine). Studies have shown a significant inverse association between hydration status and body-fat percentage in children, although most studies failed to use Dual-X-Ray Absorptiometry Scan (DXA), the gold standard for body composition. Objectives: To associate total fluid intake, hydration status, and body-fat percentage in children 10–13 years from the baseline visit of the MetA-Bone Trial, a trial to test the effect of soluble corn fiber supplementation on bone metabolism.MethodsBody-fat percentage was measured using DXA, total fluid intake (mL/day) was assessed from three 24-hour dietary recalls using the Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR), and hydration status was objectively measured using Urine Specific Gravity (USG) via 24-h urine collections. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and linear regression performed with SPSS 26.0. Models were adjusted for age and sex.ResultsA total of 14 children (57.1% males) had complete data. Mean body-fat was 31.8 ± 8.53%, mean total water intake was 1634 ± 866 mL/day (54.5% were below the water adequate intake), and mean USG was 1.031 ± 0.023 (55.6% were dehydrated). Linear regression showed that total water intake and the objective hydration status were not significantly associated (β = 0.457; p = 0.216; adjusted for age and sex β = 0.461 p = 0.319). No associations were found between total water intake and body-fat percentage (β = −0.254, p = 0.452; adjusted for age and sex (β = −0.102, p = 0.758) or between objective hydration status and body-fat percentage (β = 0.009; p = 0.982; adjusted for age and sex β = −0.034; p = −0.094).ConclusionsMost children did not meet the adequate intake for water and were dehydrated. Total water intake and objective hydration status was not significantly associated among them and to body-fat percentage. A higher sample size may be necessary to find an association between hydration, body-fat percentage in children.Funding SourcesFunding was supported by the National Institute of Health (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD), grant number 1R01HD098589-01.

Trends in BMI Percentile and Body Fat Percentage in Children 12 to 17 Years of Age.

This study evaluates the cross-sectional trends in body fat percentage (BF%) and body mass index (BMI) percentile rank, and the relationship between the two in 332 (177 boys, 155 girls) 12- to 17-year-old children. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using measured height and body mass, and sex-specific BMI for age percentile rank was determined using CDC growth charts. Body fat percentage (BF%) was measured with DEXA. Fat mass index (FMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) were calculated by normalizing the fat mass and fat-free mass for height. Compared to boys of the same age, girls had significantly higher BF% and FMI values and lower FFMI values. Compared to boys, at a given BMI percentile rank, females had a higher BF% and FMI, and a lower FFMI. In both boys and girls, there was an exponential increase in adiposity above the 70th percentile rank. BMI percentile rank is not an equivalent indicator of body fatness in boys and girls. Other measures of body composition can further inform the practitioner of a child’s adiposity.

The Influence of Cultural Experiences on the Associations between Socio-Economic Status and Motor Performance as Well as Body Fat Percentage of Grade One Learners in Cape Town, South Africa.

Fundamental movement skills (FMS), physical fitness (PF) and body fat percentage (BF%) are significantly related to socio-economic status (SES). However, it remains unclear why previous studies have had different findings regarding the direction of the association between SES and FMS, PF and BF%. A suggested explanation is that the direction of the link can be influenced by cultural experiences and traditions. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate links between SES and FMS, PF, BF% of Grade One learners from two different ethno-geographic areas in Cape Town, South Africa. Grade One children (n = 191) (n = 106 boys and n = 85 girls; age (6.7 ± 0.33)) from different socio-economic areas in Cape Town, South Africa, were selected to participate in the study. South African schools are classified into five different quintiles (1 = poorest and 5 = least poor public schools). For this study, two schools were selected, one from quintile 2 and the other from quintile 5. BF% was assessed according to Slaughter’s equation. FMS were measured using the Gross Motor Development Test-2 (TGMD-2) and PF via five tests: 1. dynamic strength of lower limb (broad jump); 2. dynamic strength of upper limb and trunk (throwing a tennis ball); 3. speed agility (4 × 10 m shuttle running); 4. cardiorespiratory fitness (20 m shuttle run endurance test (Leger test)) and 5. flexibility (sit and reach test). An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) found that BF% and WHtR were significantly greater in children with higher SES (Z = 6.04 p < 0.001; Hedg = 0.54), (Z = 3.89 p < 0.001; Hedg = 0.32). Children with lower SES achieved significantly better TGMD-2 standard scores in the locomotor subtest, compared to their peers with higher SES. In the object control subtest, no significant SES-related difference was found. However, ANCOVA showed that girls performed better in FMS than boys. In PF, the main effect of SES was observed in dynamic strength of trunk and upper limb (throwing) and flexibility, where children with lower SES performed significantly better. No significant difference was found in cardiorespiratory performance (CRP) (Beep test), even though children with lower SES achieved better results. Results from the current study suggest that links between SES, PF, FMS and body fat percentage in children seem to be dependent on cultural and traditional experiences. These experiences should therefore be included as an important factor for the development of programmes and interventions to enhance children’s lifelong motor behaviour and health strategies.

A Pilot Study Examining Body Composition Classification Differences Between Body Mass Index and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Children With High Levels of Physical Activity.

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is frequently labeled as “flawed” in assessing obesity since it cannot differentiate between muscle and fat leading to misclassifications of healthy individuals. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) may be a more accurate indicator of obesity since it can distinguish the difference between muscle and fat in children. This pilot study investigated discrepancies between BMI and BIA body composition classifications in children with high levels of physical activity.Methods: Participants were selected from three elementary schools (N = 380, K = 76, 1st = 64, 2nd = 62, 3rd = 61, 4th = 83, and 5th = 34) receiving 60 min of outdoor, unstructured play daily. BIA scales were used to collect each child's body fat percentage and BMI score, then those numbers were categorized by BIA and BMI normative values as either underweight, healthy, overweight, or obese.Results: Overall, 26% of the students were classified differently when using the normative classifications for BMI and BIA, with the largest discrepancy found in the overweight category at 38%. Similar inconsistencies were found when students were divided as younger (42%) vs older students (36%), and males (40%) vs. females (35%).Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrated that there is a significant difference in how BMI and BIA discriminate between the different body composition categories. BIA consistently shows to be a more accurate tool in assessing obesity rates in children since it directly measures body fat.

Muscle strength and body fat percentage in children and adolescents from the Maule region, Chile.

To analyze the association between relative handgrip strength (RHGS) and fat mass (FM) after controlling for the potential effect of maturity status. Both male and female children and adolescents aged ≥ 7.5 to ≤ 15.49 years were studied. RHGS was assessed using a hydraulic hand dynamometer. FM percentage was established using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Age and sex differences in RHGS levels between normal weight and obese participants were studied with an analysis of covariance. A covariate was years from peak height velocity (maturity status). The association between RHGS and FM levels was analyzed using a partial correlation and controlling for age at peak height velocity. A total of 1685 students (731 girls and 954 boys) participated. Four age groups were established (7.5-9.4 years, 9.5-11.4 years, 11.5- 13.4 years, and 13.5-15.4 years). RHGS increased with age in both males and females. FM values were high in all age groups. No differences were observed in groups 3 and 4 among girls or in group 4 among boys. Participants classified as normal weight showed a significantly higher RHGS than their obese peers. A negative association was noted between RHGS and FM. RHGS was shown to be negatively associated with FM after controlling for the effect of maturity status.

No effect of gestational diabetes or pre-gestational obesity on 6-year offspring left ventricular function\u2014RADIEL study follow-up

AimsWe aimed to investigate associations between pre-pregnancy obesity, gestational diabetes (GDM), offspring body composition, and left ventricular diastolic and systolic function in early childhood.MethodsThis is an observational study, including 201 mother–child pairs originating from the Finnish Gestational Diabetes Prevention Study (RADIEL; 96 with GDM, 128 with pre-pregnancy obesity) with follow-up from gestation to 6-year postpartum. Follow-up included dyads anthropometrics, body composition, blood pressure, and child left ventricular function with comprehensive echocardiography (conventional and strain imaging).ResultsOffspring left ventricular diastolic and systolic function was not associated with gestational glucose concentrations, GDM, or pregravida obesity. Child body fat percentage correlated with maternal pre-pregnancy BMI in the setting of maternal obesity (r = 0.23, P = 0.009). After adjusting for child lean body mass, age, sex, systolic BP, resting HR, maternal lean body mass, pre-gestational BMI, and GDM status, child left atrial volume increased by 0.3 ml (95% CI 0.1, 0.5) for each 1% increase in child body fat percentage.ConclusionsNo evidence of foetal cardiac programming related to GDM or maternal pre-pregnancy obesity was observed in early childhood. Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity is associated with early weight gain. Child adiposity in early childhood is independently associated with increased left atrial volume, but its implications for long-term left ventricle diastolic function and cardiovascular health remain unknown.

Transgenerational effects of maternal obesity and gestational diabetes on offspring body composition and left ventricle mass: the Finnish Gestational Diabetes Prevention Study (RADIEL) 6‐year follow‐up

To investigate the influence of maternal adiposity and gestational diabetes on offspring body composition and left ventricle mass in early childhood. The observational follow-up study included 201 mother-child pairs, a sub-cohort from the Finnish Gestational Diabetes Prevention Study, who were recruited 6.1 ± 0.5 (mean ± SD) years postpartum, aiming for an equal number of mothers with and without gestational diabetes. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI (mean ± SD; 30.5 ± 5.6 kg/m2 ) was associated with child body fat percentage [0.26 (95% CI; 0.08, 0.44)% increase in child body fat per 1 kg/m2 increase in pre-pregnancy BMI of mothers with obesity] and was reflected in child BMI Z-score (mean ± SD; 0.45 ± 0.93). Left ventricle mass, left ventricle mass index and left ventricle mass Z-score were not associated with gestational diabetes, pre-pregnancy BMI or child body fat percentage. After adjusting for child sex, body fat percentage, systolic blood pressure, pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal lean body mass, left ventricle mass increased by 3.08 (95% CI; 2.25, 3.91) g for each 1 kg in child lean body mass. Left ventricle mass at 6 years of age is determined predominantly by lean body mass. Maternal pre-gestational adiposity is reflected in child, but no direct association between left ventricle mass and child adiposity or evidence of left ventricle mass foetal programming related to gestational diabetes and maternal adiposity was observed in early childhood.

What matters, parental or child perceptions of physical activity facilities? A prospective parent-child study explaining physical activity and body fat among children

ObjectivesResearch explaining childhood obesity has been usually focused on cognitive and behavioral predictors assessed in parents only or in children only. In contrast, the dyadic approach allows to evaluate how parental and child predictors operate together to explain child physical activity (PA) and body fat. This study investigated relationships among: (1) parental and child perceptions of accessibility and safety of exercise facilities for children, (2) parental and child PA, and (3) parental and child body fat percentage. DesignA prospective and dyadic study with two measurement points was conducted. The follow up (Time 2) took place at 7–8-month after the baseline (Time 1). MethodsData were collected among 922 dyads of parents (mean age 35.97 years old; 83.9% women) and children (aged 6–11; M = 8.42, 52% girls). Parents and children reported safety and accessibility perceptions (Time 1) and PA (Time 1 and 2). Parental and child body fat were measured objectively (Time 1 and 2). ResultsPath analysis showed that parental perceptions of accessibility of PA facilities for children (Time 1) predicted child body fat and PA (Time 2). The associations were significant in a model accounting for longitudinal and cross-sectional associations between parental and child body fat and PA, controlling for age and gender of parents and children. Similar patterns of associations were found in the subsamples of dyads with children with normal body weight and with children with overweight/obesity. ConclusionsParental, not child perceptions of accessibility of PA facilities predicted child PA and body fat.

A simple equation to estimate body fat percentage in children with overweightness or obesity: a retrospective study

BackgroundDual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) provides separate measurements of fat mass, fat-free mass and bone mass, and is a quick, accurate, and safe technique, yet one that is not readily available in routine clinical practice. Consequently, we aimed to develop statistical formulas to predict fat mass (%) and fat mass index (FMI) with simple parameters (age, sex, weight and height).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational cross-sectional study in 416 overweight or obese patients aged 4–18 years that involved assessing adiposity by DXA (fat mass percentage and FMI), body mass index (BMI), sex and age. We randomly divided the sample into two parts (construction and validation). In the construction sample, we developed formulas to predict fat mass and FMI using linear multiple regression models. The formulas were validated in the other sample, calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient via bootstrapping.ResultsThe fat mass percentage formula had a coefficient of determination of 0.65. This value was 0.86 for FMI. In the validation, the constructed formulas had an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.77 for fat mass percentage and 0.92 for FMI.ConclusionsOur predictive formulas accurately predicted fat mass and FMI with simple parameters (BMI, sex and age) in children with overweight and obesity. The proposed methodology could be applied in other fields. Further studies are needed to externally validate these formulas.

Mathematical model for body fat percentage of children with cerebral palsy

Introduction The aim of this study was to develop a specific mathematical model to estimate the body fat percentage (BF%) of children with cerebral palsy, based on a Brazilian population of patients with this condition. Method This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study included 63 Caucasian children with cerebral palsy, both males and females, aged between three and ten-years-old. Participants were assessed for functional motor impairment using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and skinfold thickness. Total body mass (TBM) and skinfolds thickness from: triceps (Tr), biceps (Bi), Suprailiac (Si), medium thigh (Th), abdominal (Ab), medial calf (Ca) and subscapular (Se) were collected. Fat mass (FM) was estimated by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (gold standard). Results The model was built from multivariate linear regression; FM was set as a dependent variable and other anthropometric variables, age and sex, were set as independent variables. The final model was established as F%=((0.433xTBM + 0.063xTh + 0.167xSi - 6.768) ÷ TBM) × 100, the R2 value was 0.950, R2adjusted=0.948 and the standard error of estimate was 1.039 kg. Conclusion This method was shown to be valid to estimate body fat percentage of children with cerebral palsy. Also, the measurement of skinfolds on both sides of the body showed good results in this modelling.

Effect of tuberculosis treatment on leptin levels, weight gain, and percentage body fat in Indonesian children.

PurposeTuberculosis (TB) remains a problem in the community. TB patients usually experience malnutrition, which is characterized by both decreased body weight (BW) and body fat percentage (BFP). Leptin, an important regulator of BW, also plays an important role in cellular immunity, which is integral to defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. We analyzed the effect of an anti-TB treatment regimen on the leptin level, BW, and BFP of children with TB.MethodsThe design of this study was a group interrupted time series. The subjects were children with probable TB according to clinical criteria based on an Indonesian scoring system adopted from the Consensus of Expert Panel. BW; BFP; energy intake; fat and protein intake; and leptin levels before, 2 months after (intensive phase), and 6 months after (continuation phase) anti-TB treatment, were measured. About 40 children, aged 5–14 years, participated in this study.ResultsThe BW, BFP and leptin level increased from before treatment to after completion of the intensive phase and still showed an increased during the continuation phase: BW 18.65 kg, 19.75 kg, and 20.85 kg; BFP 18.3%, 19.5%, and 20.2%; and leptin level 1.9 mg/dL, 3.07 mg/dL, and 3.4 mg/dL, respectively (P<0.01).ConclusionLeptin level, BW, and BFP increased throughout the course of anti-TB treatment, compared with pretreatment values. Further research is needed to compare the results with data for healthy children.

Energy Consumption, Body Composition and Physical Activity Levels in 11- to 13-Year-Old Spanish Children

Background/Aims: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in childhood is increasing markedly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between physical activity, energy consumption and weight status in a cohort of Spanish children. Methods: A total of 137 children (11-13 years old) participated in the study voluntarily (with paternal consent). Children were classified into 3 groups according to their physical activity, i.e. sedentary, active and sporty groups. Body composition measures, physical fitness and total caloric and macronutrient intake were determined. Results: Weight, body mass index, waist circumference, skinfold thickness measures and body fat percentage of children were lower in the active children, whereas body water content increased with activity. Nutritional habits were similar in the 3 studied groups. No significant differences in total energy intake or percentage of carbohydrates, fat and proteins were found. All parameters related to caloric expenditure were higher in children carrying out more physical activity. Conclusions: Children with higher levels of physical activity presented more favorable anthropometric profiles, but there were no differences in respect to their dietary habits. An increase in weekly energy expenditure through physical activity outside school seems essential to prevent overweight and the risk of childhood obesity.

Body Mass Index and Percentage of Body Fat as Indicators for Obesity in an Adolescent Athletic Population

Dear Dr Wojtys With great interest, we read the article titled “Body Mass Index and Percentage of Body Fat as Indicators for Obesity in an Adolescent Athletic Population,” by William C. Etchison and colleagues.2 This study has merit, and the accomplishment of such a big study—with participation of about 34 000 athletes over a period of 18 years in 2 states—is commendable. However, we would like to bring up some points that we feel could have been a worthwhile addition to this study. Body mass index (BMI) has been used to determine risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, BMI acts as an accurate tool for determining a healthy weight for the general population.4 However, it is a relatively poor predictor of body fat percentage, particularly in those who have a muscular body, such as professional athletes.9 To assess the body fat percentage in children and adolescents, different methods have been used by the authors. Skinfold thickness, BMI, ADP (air displacement plethysmography), BIA (bioimpedance analysis), HW (hydrostatic weighting), and DXA (dual X-ray absorptiometry) are some of these techniques. In this regard, comparing different techniques with the 4-compartment models (as the gold standard), DXA and ADP have been reported as more reliable techniques.3,7 Skinfold thickness measurement is also a common and easy-to-use technique, with its results having an acceptable correlation with DXA.1 For estimation of body fat percentage using skin fold measurements, selection of the appropriate equation is critical. More than 15 researchers have developed formulas for calculation of body fat percentage in children and adolescents using their skinfold thicknesses. However. accuracy of most of the formulas was reported as poor at the individual level.6 Nevertheless, clinical studies suggest that to find a relative index of fatness of adolescents, the Slaughter et al formula could be used for both sexes and the Brook formula only for females.5,6,8 Etchison et al2 used the Jackson-Pollock equation for calculation of the body fat percentage of the adolescent athletes. However, Valizadeh and associates8 reported underestimation of the body fat percentage of participants when it was calculated using the Jackson-Pollock equation. This point was achieved comparing the results of the Jackson-Pollock equation with output of the segmental multifrequency bioimpedance technique. It seems that this formula is not appropriate for children and adolescents, and in the Etchison et al2 study, programming the body fat calculator with the Jackson-Pollock equation led to underestimation of the body fat percentage in the participants. We suggest that Etchison et al reanalyze their data using Slaughter formula and review whether there would be any difference in the results of the study.

Correlates of physical activity in young American Indian children: lessons learned from the Wisconsin Nutrition and Growth Study.

Obesity is a serious and growing health problem in American Indian (AI) children. Our study, the Wisconsin Nutrition and Growth Study, aimed to understand the prevalence and contributing factors to pediatric obesity in Wisconsin tribes and provide the foundation for intervention design. This article focuses on associations among age, gender, and 3 measures of weight status with proxy-reported physical activity and TV/screen time in 3 to 8 year-old AI children. In a cross-sectional design, 581 AI children (49.1% female, aged 3-8 years) participated in health screenings that included height, weight, waist circumference, percent body fat, and a caregiver survey on demographics and health, with questions on physical activity and TV/screen time. Forty-five percent of children were overweight or obese. Boys were significantly more obese and had higher levels of body fat than girls. There were no differences in weight category across age groups. Boys participated in significantly more weekly sports than girls and sports participation was somewhat higher in younger children. Body mass index and waist circumference were not significantly correlated with TV/screen time or with the 3 activity measures (sports participation, outdoor play time, or physical education classes). Hours of outdoor play significantly predicted child body fat percentage controlling for maternal body mass index and child age and gender. Young AI children in Wisconsin have high rates of overweight/obesity starting at a very early age, and outdoor play may play a significant role in mediating body fat. There is a need to develop obesity-prevention interventions at early ages.

Body Fat Percentage of Children Varies According to Their Diet Composition

Objective To ascertain the association between diet composition and body fat percentage in 9- and 10-year-old children. Also, to examine the influence of gender, total energy intake, fitness, physical activity, and parental body mass on the relationship between diet composition and adiposity. Design Diet composition was assessed using the National Cancer Institute food frequency questionnaire, and adiposity was measured using the average of results determined using two skinfold equations. Fitness levels and physical activity were ascertained using the 1-mile run/walk test and a self-report 15-item scale, respectively. Subjects A sample of 262 children (162 boys and 100 girls, mean age=9.8±0.5 years) participated. Statistical analysis Regression analysis was used to determine the extent to which diet composition contributed to adiposity without statistical control for any potentially confounding variables. Partial correlations were calculated to assess the relationship between macronutrient intake and adiposity after potential confounders (gender, total energy intake, physical fitness, and parental body mass) were controlled statistically. Results Energy intake was positively related to adiposity. Fat intake, calculated as a percentage of total energy, was also positively related to adiposity, before and after control for potential confounding variables. Percentage of energy derived from carbohydrate was inversely related to adiposity, before and after controlling for potential confounders. Applications These findings indicate that the macronutrient intake of children, particularly dietary fat and carbohydrate intake, may play a role in adiposity, independent of the influence of total energy intake, gender, physical fitness, and parental body mass index.