ABSTRACT
Background: Although body fat percentage (BFP) is a widely accepted indicator of total body fat, it has not been extensively used in studies conducted among the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia. Objective: This study was undertaken to determine the BFP distribution in a group of Orang Asli adults living in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. Methods: Kampung Sungai Ruil, one of the Orang Asli settlements in Cameron Highlands, was conveniently selected for this crosssectional study. A total of 138 respondents aged 18 years and above were assessed. Skinfold thickness was measured using the Slim Guide skinfold caliper to calculate BFP. Waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure and random plasma glucose were also measured. Results: The mean BFP of the females (29.7%) was higher than the males (18.9%) and the respondents with abdominal obesity (36.2%) had higher mean BFP compared to those with normal waist circumference (23.7%) Those in the age group of 18-28 years old (22.1%) had lower BFP than respondents in the age groups 29-39 years old (27.3%) and 40-50 years old (29.1%) (p=<0.001) and married respondents (26.8%) had higher mean BFP than single (21.2%) respondents. According to the BMI categorisation, respondents categorised as overweight (25.9%) had higher mean BFP than the normal weight/healthy (19.2%) respondents, and obese (32.0%) more than underweight (18.1%), normal weight/healthy (19.2%) and overweight (25.9%) respondents. Linear regression showed age (regression coefficient = 0.16, p=<0.001), BMI (regression coefficient = 1.06, p=<0.001) and being a woman (regression coefficient = 8.26, p=<0.001) were significant predictors of BFP. Conclusion: The BFP is higher in women and is significantly associated with age and BMI.