Estimate Body Fat Percentage Research Articles

Advances in the estimation of body fat percentage using an artificial intelligence 2D-photo method

There is a growing need to evaluate the agreement between the field methods and integrate artificial intelligence (AI) using two-dimensional (2D) photos for enhanced real-world analysis. This study evaluated the agreement between AI-2D photos and the clinical reference method, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to estimate the body fat percentage (BFP). Other methods were also investigated, including skinfolds, A-mode ultrasound, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1273 adults of both sexes. The Bland–Altman plots, Lin’s Correlation Coefficient of Agreement (CCC), and error analyses were calculated. AI-2D photos demonstrated substantial agreement with DXA presenting the highest agreement (CCC ≥ 0.96) among all the investigated methods. InBody-270 and Omron HBF-514 BIA devices showed moderate agreement (CCC = 0.90 to 0.95) for all participants, age groups >30 years, and body mass index >25 kg/m2. AI-2D photos can be interchangeable with DXA, providing a practical, accessible alternative and an easy-to-use system for BFP estimation.

Correlations of Anthropometric Measurements With Body Fat Percentage, Fat Mass, and Fat Mass Index in School-Age Children.

Childhood obesity is a growing public health issue globally, including in India. Anthropometric measures such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and skinfold thickness are commonly used to estimate body fat percentage (BF%), but their correlations with fat mass (FM) and fat mass index (FMI) are less emphasized. This study aimed to explore the relationships between anthropometric measurements and body fat indicators (BF%, FM, and FMI) in school-age children and obtain prediction equations for FM and FMI. This observational cross-sectional study included 250 children (125 boys, 125 girls) aged six to 15 years. Anthropometric measures (BMI, waist circumference, skinfold thickness, etc.) and body composition (via bioelectrical impedance analysis) were collected. Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to assess the relationships between anthropometric measurements and body fat indicators and to develop prediction models. BMI, waist circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness showed strong correlations with FM (r = 0.74, r = 0.73, r = 0.61, respectively) and FMI (Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) = 0.76, r = 0.64, r = 0.57, respectively), while the waist-to-height ratio (r = 0.08) and the arm-to-height ratio (r = 0.12) were poorly correlated with BF%. Our prediction equations for FM and FMI provided better predictive values (R² = 0.75 and 0.69, respectively) than BF% (coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.35). FM and FMI showed stronger correlations with anthropometric measurements than BF%. The waist-to-height ratio and the arm-to-height ratio had small correlations with all three body fat indicators. The prediction equation for FM and FMI outperformed the one for BF%, underscoring their potential utility in assessing adiposity in school-age children.

Body composition estimates from bioelectrical impedance and its association with cardiovascular risk.

Screening for traditional risk factors of cardiovascular disease is well known in primary healthcare (PHC) settings. However, other risk factors through newer tools (such as bioelectrical impedance analysis [BIA]) could also be predictors of increased cardiovascular risk (CVR). Body composition estimates (body fat percentage, body water percentage, body lean mass) by BIA and its association to CVR have been studied with variable results. This study assesses the body composition estimates and their association with CVR in the South African PHC setting. A retrospective record analysis was conducted on a cohort of de-identified patients utilising the ABBY®Health Check Machine at a PHC facility in South Africa between May 2020 and August 2022. The ABBY Machine estimates body fat percentage (BF%) and body water percentage (BW%) estimates from BIA. Cardiovascular risk based on the Framingham-risk-score was stratified into high, medium and low CVR. An analysis of variance was used to determine mean differences of BF% and BW% among these groups. A total of 4008 records (n= 4008) were used in the final analysis. The majority of patients were female (70.1%) with a mean age of 33.6 years. Higher mean BF% (35.75% vs. 31.10% vs. 27.73%;p 0.0001) and lower mean BW% (49.46% vs. 53.15% vs. 56.18%;p= 0000) were found to be significantly associated with high CVR. This study demonstrated the use of newer technologies that could assist in the identification of CVR in low resource PHC settings.

What is the best predictor of body fat percentage for older brazilian women?

This study aimed to investigate the validity of several equations and predictive indices for estimating body fat percentage (%BF) in 152 older women, with an average age of 67.4 years and an average body mass index (BMI) of 28.65 kg/m². To this end, anthropometric measurements including height, body weight, circumferences (waist and hip), and a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan were performed. All measurements were performed by trained researchers following specific protocols. The results were compared to the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technique, which is considered the reference method. The analyzed equations showed moderate to good correlation coefficients with DXA, with particular emphasis on Visser’s equation 6, which showed the best correlation (r = 0.752, p < 0.001). However, the agreement between the equations and DXA, as assessed by the Lin concordance coefficient, was classified as poor (ρc < 0.90). This indicates that although the equations have a positive correlation with body composition, they tend to deviate from the identity line when compared to the reference method. Additionally, the equations showed high sensitivity for detecting obesity when the cut-off point of 30% body fat was adopted, indicating a good ability to identify the presence of the condition. However, the equations, with the exception of equation 4, showed low specificity, meaning they had limited ability to detect normal individuals, resulting in a low negative predictive value. The results suggest that BF% equations and indices are dependent on the populations in which they were developed. The specificity and sensitivity of these equations may vary, and it is important to carefully select the most appropriate equation for estimating BF% in older Brazilian women. Keywords: Anthropometry; body composition; older adults.

Practical but Inaccurate? A-Mode Ultrasound and Bioelectrical Impedance Underestimate Body Fat Percentage Compared to Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry in Male College Students.

Bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and ultrasound (US) have become popular for estimating body fat percentage (BF%) due to their low cost and clinical convenience. However, the agreement of these devices with the gold-standard method still requires investigation. The aim was to analyze the agreement between a gold-standard %BF assessment method with BIA and US devices. Twenty-three men (aged 30.1 ± 7.7 years, weighing 82.5 ± 14.9 kg, 1.77 ± 0.05 m tall) underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), BIA (tetrapolar) and US (three-site method) %BF assessments. Pearson and concordance correlations were analyzed. A T-test was used to compare the means of the methods, and Bland-Altman plots analyzed agreement and proportional bias. Alpha was set at <0.05. The Pearson coefficients of BIA and US with DXA were high (BIA = 0.94; US = 0.89; both p < 0.001). The concordance coefficient was high for BIA (0.80) and moderate for US (0.49). The BF% measured by BIA (24.5 ± 7.5) and US (19.4 ± 7.0) was on average 4.4% and 9.6% lower than DXA (29.0 + 8.5%), respectively (p < 0.001). Lower and upper agreement limits between DXA and BIA were -1.45 and 10.31, while between DXA and US, they were 2.01 and 17.14, respectively. There was a tendency of both BIA (p = 0.09) and US (p = 0.057) to present proportional bias and underestimate BF%. Despite the correlation, the mean differences between the methods were significant, and the agreement limits were very wide. This indicates that BIA and US, as measured in this study, have limited potential to accurately measure %BF compared to DXA, especially in individuals with higher body fat.

Association of body image perception and (dis)satisfaction with adiposity in adults: The Pró-Saúde study.

Body image distortion and/or dissatisfaction may occur primarily due to body fat accumulation and/or distribution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of body image perception and (dis)satisfaction categories in adult men and women according to the adiposity classification. This is a cross-sectional study (n = 514; 33-79 years; 265 women) that is part of a prospective cohort (Pró-Saúde study). Adiposity measurements were determined by two methods: anthropometry, used to calculate the body mass index (BMI) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), to estimate body fat percentage. Participants were grouped as "no excess adiposity" and "excess adiposity", considering BMI and body fat percentage (>30% for men, >40% for women). Perception and (dis)satisfaction with body image were evaluated using the Kakeshita scale, composed by 15 silhouettes, developed for the Brazilian population. Degree of distortion (perceived BMI - real BMI) and dissatisfaction (perceived BMI - desired BMI) were calculated. A high proportion of men (58.6%; 74.3%), and especially of women (82.6%; 86.8%), presented body size overestimation and dissatisfaction due to excess weight, respectively. A relevant fraction of the women (32.6%) and men (30.8%) who were dissatisfied due to excess weight did not present excess adiposity, especially if classified by DXA. Variability in degree of distortion was hardly explained by anthropometric and DXA variables in women (<5%) and men (∼22%). Both anthropometric and DXA measurements accounted for ∼30% and ∼50% of the variability in degree of dissatisfaction among women and men, respectively. Our results suggest a high frequency of body image distortion in Brazilian adult individuals, as well as dissatisfaction with excess weight, especially among women with excess adiposity. The findings indicate that anthropometric measurements explain much of the variability in degree of body image dissatisfaction in men, with no apparent advantage of the use of more refined DXA measurements.

Development and cross-validation of a circumference-based predictive equation to estimate body fat in an active population.

The U.S. Army uses sex-specific circumference-based prediction equations to estimate percent body fat (%BF) to evaluate adherence to body composition standards. The equations are periodically evaluated to ensure that they continue to accurately assess %BF in a diverse population. The objective of this study was to develop and validate alternative field expedient equations that may improve upon the current Army Regulation (AR) body fat (%BF) equations. Body size and composition were evaluated in a representatively sampled cohort of 1904 active-duty Soldiers (1261 Males, 643 Females), using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (%BFDXA), and circumferences obtained with 3D imaging and manual measurements. Sex stratified linear prediction equations for %BF were constructed using internal cross validation with %BFDXA as the criterion measure. Prediction equations were evaluated for accuracy and precision using root mean squared error, bias, and intraclass correlations. Equations were externally validated in a convenient sample of 1073 Soldiers. Three new equations were developed using one to three circumference sites. The predictive values of waist, abdomen, hip circumference, weight and height were evaluated. Changing from a 3-site model to a 1-site model had minimal impact on measurements of model accuracy and performance. Male-specific equations demonstrated larger gains in accuracy, whereas female-specific equations resulted in minor improvements in accuracy compared to existing AR equations. Equations performed similarly in the second external validation cohort. The equations developed improved upon the current AR equation while demonstrating robust and consistent results within an external population. The 1-site waist circumference-based equation utilized the abdominal measurement, which aligns with associated obesity related health outcomes. This could be used to identify individuals at risk for negative health outcomes for earlier intervention.

Collegiate women's wrestling body fat percentage and minimum wrestling weight values: time for revisiting minimal body fat percent?

The estimation of body fat percentage (BF%) in wrestling is used to determine the minimum wrestling weight (MWW) and lowest allowable weight class (MWC) in which wrestlers are eligible to compete. A 12% minimum threshold is currently used for women wrestlers, yet a potential increase for safety has been discussed. Because of the novelty of collegiate women's wrestling, there is a paucity of literature available on the body composition norms of this population. The purpose of this study was to provide a descriptive summary of BF% and MWW values of female wrestlers and how MWW values would change with the use of different BF% thresholds. Data from the 2022-2023 collegiate season were retrospectively analyzed resulting in a sample of 1,683 collegiate women wrestlers from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA, n = 868) and the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA, n = 815). All wrestlers completed skinfold assessments for weight certification at the start of the competition season. The skinfold values were used to estimate BF% using the Slaughter skinfold prediction equation. Frequency statistics and descriptive analysis were performed to compute normative MWW and BF% profiles. BF% thresholds of 12% (12MWW) and the BF% value defined as the lowest 5th percentile, which would be considered unusually lean, were used to determine the resulting MWW and MWC for each method. The lowest recorded weight and weight class division throughout the season was also recorded for each wrestler. There was a positively skewed (0.94) and platykurtic (1.86) distribution of MWW values. The median ± interquartile range BF% for all wrestlers was 27.4 ± 10.22%, with 17% BF representing the 5th percentile. Only 354 out of 1,579 (22.4%) wrestlers competed in their lowest allowable weight class, based on the 12MWW. Of these 354 wrestlers, the mean BF% was 21.3 ± 5.2% at weight certification with only n = 17 being at or below 12% body fat and an average weight loss of 11.1 ± 8.8 lbs. from the time of weight certification. Throughout the season, wrestlers competed at weights that were, on average (mean ± SD), 19.4 ± 16.9 lbs. higher than their 12MWW (95% CI: 18.6, 20.2 lbs. p < 0.001; effect size [ES] = 1.1), 13.4 ± 19.0 lbs. higher than the 17MWW (p < 0.001; ES = 0.70), and 8.7 ± 8.3 lbs. lower than their weight at the certification (95% CI: 8.3, 9.1 lbs. p < 0.001; ES = 1.1). Nearly all BF% values were well above the 12% threshold used to determine MWW. Increasing the minimum BF% threshold from 12% to 17% would affect a small percentage of wrestlers, likely reduce the need for excessive weight cutting, and minimize the deleterious health effects of an athlete at such a low BF%.

Adiposity and body fat distribution based on skinfold thicknesses and body circumferences in Czech preschool children, secular changes.

The long-standing widespread prevalence of obesity includes issues of its evaluation. Nutritional status may be assessed using various tools and methods; among others simple anthropometric measurements are well established. Widely used body mass index (BMI), presents an obstacle of needing to calculate a standard deviation score (SD) for correct use in the child population. As BMI overlooks body composition, it is necessary to evaluate fat and muscle mass with different methods. Established skinfolds and circumferences are used in many variations and equations to accomplish that goal; however, the parameters used in these methods also undergo secular changes. Furthermore, secular changes have been documented in fat mass distribution. The aim of the study is to assess secular changes of skinfolds thickness and body circumferences and evaluate their validity for use in clinical practice and population research. Our database consisted of a recent (2016-2022) sample with 594 participants (298 males) and a reference sample (from 1990) with 2,910 participants (1,207 males). Both cohorts comprised Czech preschool children, aged 4.00 to 6.99 years. With standard methodology, anthropometric parameters were obtained for 13 skinfolds and eight circumferences, by trained staff. The equations of Slaughter, Durnin and Deurenberg were correspondingly calculated. Statistical evaluation was conducted in the R programming language, using Welch's test, Cohen's d and the Bland-Altman method. Our study found significant increases in skinfold thickness on the abdomen, chest I. and forearm, with high clinical relevance (p ≥ 0.01; d = range from 0.20 to 0.70). Contrastingly, apart from the abdominal area, a decrease of circumferences was observed. The body fat percentage estimation equations were tested for bias in the recent sample in the context of bioimpedance analysis with the Bland-Altman method. All equations are suitable for application in clinical use. Documented secular changes in fat mass distribution are only part of a contemporary accelerating trend of obesity prevalence. Our findings support the trend of a decline of circumferences and rise of skinfold thickness in corresponding areas, especially on the limbs, that is evidenced by the trend of latent obesity. The results of the study show the need to complement established diagnostic procedures in childhood obesitology with abdominal and midthigh circumferences and optionally even the maximal circumference of the forearm. These circumferences should always be measured alongside the skinfold thickness of the region. Only in this way can the overall adiposity of an individual with regard to secular changes, including the detection of latent obesity, be objectively evaluated.

Eating Behaviors and Estimated Body Fat Percentage Among Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

AimsEstimate associations between select eating behaviors and estimated body fat percentage (eBFP) and explore effect modification by sex among adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). MethodsThis analysis included 257 adolescents (mean age 14.9 ± 1.14 years; 49.8% female) with baseline hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) between 8-13% (64 mmol/mol – 119 mmol/mol) from a randomized trial designed to improve glycemia. Eating behaviors and eBFP were determined from surveys and validated equations respectively. Linear mixed models were used to estimate associations. Effect modification was assessed via stratified plots, stratified associations, and interaction terms. ResultsDisordered eating, dietary restraint, and eBFP were significantly higher among females while external eating was higher among males. Disordered eating (β: 0.49, 95%CI: 0.24, 0.73, p=0.0001) and restraint (β: 1.11, 95%CI: 0.29, 1.92, p=0.0081) were positively associated with eBFP while external eating was not (β: -0.19, 95%CI: -0.470, 0.096, p=0.20). Interactions with sex were not significant (p-value range: 0.28–0.64). ConclusionDisordered eating and dietary restraint were positively associated with eBFP, highlighting the potential salience of these eating behaviors to cardiometabolic risk for both female and male adolescents. Prospective studies should investigate whether these eating behaviors predict eBFP longitudinally to inform obesity prevention strategies in T1D.

14–21 éves sportolók klasszikus antropometriai és modern műszeres technikákkal becsült testzsírszázalékának összehasonlító elemzése

Currently, one of the most accurate measurements of body composition components, including the fat content of the body is based on the method of dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The application of the DEXA method in clinical setting is usually limited to the assessment of bone health status due to the device’s cost and immobile nature, therefore in sport diagnostics the body composition estimation is usually carried out with other methods, such as bioimpedance analysis or anthropometrical methods based on the measurement of body dimensions, which ensure a rapid, accurate and frequently repeatable way of examination. For our research goal we choose the comparison of the most frequently used body fat percentage estimation methods. The accuracy of the other methods in the light of the DEXA estimations is presented. Sport Sciences and Diagnostic Research Centre of the Hungarian Handball Federation coordinated the assessment of 171 young elite handball players (14–21-year-olds), whose body composition estimations were performed in the spring and summer of 2023. The preliminary analysis of body fat percentage estimates in handball players carried out with different methods showed that the rapid and cost-efficient estimations based on anthropometric skinfold measurements can substitute the body fat percentage estimation method based on the clinically acclaimed golden standard dual X-ray absorptiometry technology. Body fat percentage estimation via InBody 770 device showed significantly lower values compared to the DEXA method, however this difference was consistent, therefore body composition assessment via InBody device can serve as an alternative of monitoring personal progress and status. We also carried out examinations with a novel ultrasound technology aided by BodyMetrix device, its subcutaneous fat thickness measurement estimated accurately the skinfold thicknesses on human body, its body fat percentage estimation based the skinfold thicknesses was adequately accurate compared to the DEXA method. With the aid of available DEXA measurement results and with the aim of creating an alternative method with low instrument requirement for body fat percentage estimation, which can be used with the highest accuracy particularly considering the body composition of young elite athletes, we created a modified sport-specific body fat percentage estimation equation. Our new estimation method was based on classical anthropometric skinfold measurements, and it accurately correlated with the DEXA body fat% estimates in case of young elite handball players.

Agreement of bioimpedance analysis and ultrasound scanning for fat mass, fat free mass and body fat percentage evaluation in the group of adult women

The study aims to perform an agreement analysis of bioimpedance (BIA) results obtained using АВС-02 “Medas” (Russia) and ultrasound scanning (US) using BodyMetrixTM (USA) for fat mass, fat free mass and body fat percentage in the group of females from Moscow. The study was performed with 180 female subjects 18-67 years of age. The agreement analysis conducted in the whole sample revealed a low level of agreement in estimating body fat percentage (CCC = 0.70 0.76 0.81) and fat free mass (CCC = 0.86 0.89 0.91), but agreement can be described as medium in estimating fat mass (CCC = 0.90 0.92 0.94). Then we adjusted the prediction equations and the agreement analysis was conducted again. Adjusted prediction equations improved the level of agreement to medium when estimating body fat percentage and fat free mass. Thus, the proposed equations can be used for the translation of body composition results obtained by US into the BIA data.

Comparison of Body Composition Methods for Estimating Body Fat Percentage in Lower Limb Prosthesis Users.

There is a dearth of literature evaluating the accuracy of Air Displacement Plethysmography (ADP) compared to Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) for assessing body composition in individuals with lower limb amputations. Validity of ADP in persons with lower limb amputations must be established. The objective of this study was to compare body composition in persons with lower limb amputations using the BOD POD® and DXA. Body composition was performed on eleven lower limb prosthesis users (age 53.2±14.3 years, weight 81.9±22.3kg) using ADP and DXA with and without prosthesis. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated no significant difference in body composition among and between trials, F(3,8)= 3.36, p= 0.075. There were no significant differences in Body Fat (BF) percentage with and without prostheses on the BOD POD (28.5±15.7% and 33.7±12.1%, respectively) nor the DXA (32.9±10.6% and 32.0±9.9%, respectively). Association between the BOD POD and DXA were greatest when prostheses were not worn compared to when they were worn. Bland-Altman plots indicate agreement between BOD POD® and DXA was greatest while wearing the prosthesis. This study is a first to compare total body fat percent between the BOD POD® and DXA in lower limb prosthesis users. BOD POD® report valid indices of BF%. Future work will utilize the BOD POD® in intervention studies for monitoring body composition changes across the continuum of rehabilitation.

Relative fat mass and prediction of incident atrial fibrillation, heart failure and coronary artery disease in the general population.

Relative fat mass (RFM) is an emerging marker of obesity that estimates body fat percentage using a sex-specific formula containing height and waist circumference (WC). We studied the association of RFM with incident atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (HF), and coronary artery disease (CAD) and explored RFM cutoffs for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prediction. We studied 95,003 participants (age 45 ± 13 years, 59% women) without prevalent AF, HF or CAD from the population-based Lifelines study. Outcomes were ascertained using electrocardiography and self-reported questionnaire data. We used logistic regression to study the association of RFM with individual outcomes and a composite outcome (incident AF, HF, and/or CAD). Multivariable models were adjusted for components of the SCORE risk model (age, sex, systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking). Optimal cutoffs were determined using the Youden index. During a median follow-up of 3.8 (3.0-4.6) years, 224 (0.2%) participants developed AF, 1003 (1.1%) HF and 657 (0.7%) CAD. After multivariable adjustment, RFM was significantly associated with all outcomes (standardised OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.18-1.34 for the composite outcome). Optimal RFM cutoffs ( ≥26 for men, ≥38 for women) were lower than previously proposed RFM cutoffs ( ≥30 for men, ≥40 for women). In general, overall discriminative ability of RFM and its cutoffs was at least similar (in women) or better (in men) compared to BMI and WC. Since RFM was substantially correlated with age, we additionally determined age-specific cutoffs, which ranged from 23 to 27 in men and 33 to 43 in women. RFM is associated with incident AF, HF, and CAD and may be used as a simple and intuitive marker of obesity and cardiovascular risk in the general population. This study provides potential RFM cutoffs for CVD prediction that may be used by future studies or preventive strategies targeting obesity and cardiovascular risk.

Body composition measured by multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance following creatine supplementation.

Acute fluid ingestion increases estimated body fat percentage (BF%) measurements by single frequency (SF-BIA) and multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance (MF-BIA). It is unknown if MF-BIA accurately measures total BF% and total body water (TBW) after creatine supplementation, which causes fluid retention, and resultant increases in fat-free mass and TBW. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of creatine supplementation on body composition and TBW measured through a popular MF-BIA device (InBody 770). Thirteen male and 14 female subjects (18-22 years) completed one week of creatine monohydrate (0.3 g/kg body weight) or maltodextrin. Pre- and post-supplementation body composition measurements included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), SF-BIA measured by an Omron HBF-306C device, and MF-BIA measured by an InBody 770 device to measure BF%, fat free mass (FFM), and fat mass (FM). Additionally, intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), and TBW were estimated by MF- BIA. FFM increased more in the creatine group than the placebo group measured by all body composition modes (1.2 kg, 1.9 kg, and 1.1 kg increase for SF-BIA, MF-BIA, and DEXA respectively, P<0.05). Creatine supplementation resulted in a 2% increase (P<0.05) in TBW measured by MF-BIA (40.4±9.5 to 41.2±9.6 kg). One week of creatine supplementation increased TBW as detected by the InBody 770 device. Changes in body composition that occurred due to the increase in TBW were detected as an increase in FFM measured by SF-BIA, MF-BIA, and DEXA.

Validity Of Ultrasound For Estimating Body Fat Percentage Compared To 4-compartment Model

Validity Of Ultrasound For Estimating Body Fat Percentage Compared To 4-compartment Model

Correlation of Neck Circumference with Body Fat Percentage by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

Introduction: Obesity is a significant public health concern associated with various health risks. Accurate and accessible methods for assessing body fat percentage are essential for obesity evaluation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between neck circumference and body fat percentage, considering bioelectrical impedance analysis as the reference method. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 63 male medical and paramedical students aged 18 to 25 years. Neck circumference, body fat percentage, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were measured using standardized techniques. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and significance testing. Results: The mean neck circumference was 37.4 cm (SD = ±1.6), and the mean body fat percentage was 22.8% (SD = ±4.5). A strong positive correlation was observed between neck circumference and body fat percentage (r = 0.75, p ≤ 0.001). The results indicated that neck circumference can serve as a practical and accessible measurement for estimating body fat percentage. Conclusion: Neck circumference strongly correlated with body fat percentage, suggesting its potential as an obesity assessment tool. Further research involving larger and more diverse populations is needed to validate these findings and explore the clinical implications of using neck circumference in obesity evaluation.

Experiences of the Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Community in the University Setting

Background: Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals face daily challenges in higher education due to a lack of gender-inclusive resources. This shortcoming is rooted in the minimal knowledge about what barriers affect this population. Aims: The aims of this study were to identify fitness-related barriers faced by the transgender community in higher education and emphasize the need to develop fitness standards for the transgender population to reduce those barriers in higher education. Methods: Participants completed one or both aspects of this study. A survey was sent to students to gather information about experiences in fitness at a university and how it relates to their gender. Several of the survey respondents then agreed to participate in a series of fitness assessments to evaluate muscular strength, endurance, and body composition. Results: Seventy-nine students responded to the survey (n = 68 cisgender females, n = 5 cisgender males, n = 2, non-binary, n = 4 transgender males). Proportionally, more transgender and non-binary people (84%) felt that gendered fitness standards did not apply to them when compared to cisgender people (31%). Further, more transgender and non-binary respondents (50%) reported that they were not comfortable working out in all areas of their gym when compared to the cisgender respondents (37%). Twenty-eight students participated in the fitness assessment. The BOD POD assessment of body composition utilizes gender to calculate body fat percentage. When using both male and female classifications, results were not different, meaning the estimated body fat percentage was calculated as the same despite a different gender in the calculation. Conclusions: This study begins to identify fitness-related barriers faced by the transgender community in higher education. Additionally, these small-scale results provide a starting point for future research on developing gender-neutral fitness standards.

Agreement between ultrasound protocols for the estimation of body fat percentage: Comparison to a four-compartment model.

The purpose of this study was to examine the agreement between body fat percentage (%Fat) estimates derived from a standardized ultrasound protocol (%FatIASMS ), a commonly used skinfold (SKF)-site-based ultrasound protocol (%FatJP ), and a criterion four-compartment (4C) model (%Fat4C ). For the ultrasound protocols, all measurement sites were marked, measuredand analyzed by the same evaluator. Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) thickness was measured manually at the region where the muscle fascia was parallel to the skin and the average value per measurement site was used to calculate body density and subsequently %Fat. A repeated-measures analysis of variancewith a priori planned contrasts was used to compare %Fat values between the 4C criterion and both ultrasound methods. Small nonsignificant mean differences were observed between %FatIASMS (18.82 ± 14.21%Fat, effect size[ES] = 0.25, p = 0.178), %FatJP (18.23 ± 13.32%Fat, ES = 0.32, p = 0.050) and the %Fat4C criterion (21.70 ± 7.57%Fat); however, %FatIASMS did not yield a smaller mean difference than the %FatJP (p = 0.287). Additionally, %FatIASMS (r = 0.90, p < 0.001, standard error of the estimate[SEE] = 3.29%) and %FatJP (r = 0.88, p < 0.001, SEE = 3.60%) were strongly correlated with the 4C criterion, however, %FatIASMS did not yield better agreement than %FatJP (p = 0.257). Despite slightly underestimating %Fat, both ultrasound techniques demonstrated Good-Very Goodagreement with the 4C criterion, with comparable mean differences, correlations, and SEE. The International Association of Sciences in Medicine and Sports(IASMS) standardized protocol using manual calculations of SAT was comparable to the SKF-site-basedultrasound protocol when compared to the 4C criterion. These results indicate that the IASMS (with manually measured SAT) and SKF-site-based ultrasound protocols may be of practical use to clinicians.

Agreement of body adiposity index (BAI), bioimpedance analysis and ultrasound scanning in determining body fat

BACKGROUND: The steadily increasing number of people with obesity requires the development of simple and accurate methodological approaches to assess the absolute and relative amount of body fat mass. The body adiposity index (BAI) is one of the indices proposed to assess the body fat percentage. However, the comparison analysis of common methods, i.e., of bio-electrical impedance analysis and ultrasound scanning, and BAI was not performed for the Russian population.AIM: Comparison analysis of the body fat percentage estimates by bio-electrical impedance analysis, ultrasound scanning, and body adiposity index in the group of adult male and females.MATERIALS AND METHODS: An examination of healthy males and females from Moscow was conducted. Height, weight, waist and hip circumferences were measured. The body fat percentage was obtained by bio-electrical impedance analysis — BIA (ABC-02 Medas), ultrasound scanning — US (BodyMetrixTM, IntelaMetrix), and body adiposity index.RESULTS: 263 females and 134 males aged 18 to 73 years participated in the study. Correlation coefficients between BAI values and the body fat percentage obtained by BIA and US were 0.749 and 0.763 (p&lt;0.000), respectively. Comparison of body fat percentage measurements obtained by BAI, BIA and US showed the low agreement (ССС&lt;0.90) between BAI and other methods in pooled sample as well as in the female and male groups. Comparison of the US and BAI methods revealed higher level of agreement (ССС=0.84 [0.80–0.86]) and no systematic bias. Lower level of agreement was obtained in the group of males.CONCLUSION: Conducted study allows to conclude that, at the individual level, BAI is not an appropriate method for estimating the body fat percentage relatively to other indirect methods. However, all three methods can be used in the group of pooled males and females when testing at the population level.