ABSTRACT
Objective: To compare three different body fats estimation equations using skin fold measurements with bioelectrical impedance analysis
Methods: A total of 130 subjects were included from Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Services Hospital, Lahore from 1[st] April 2016 to 30[th] Sep. 2016. The triceps, biceps, subscapular, chest, thigh, abdominal, suprailiac skinfold thickness of the subjects was measured with skin-fold calipers [Harpenden] on non-dominant side. The percentage fat mass [% FM] predicted by using each skinfold-thickness equations namely Durnin and Womersley, Jackson and Pollock and Sloan was compared with % FM measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer [BIA]
Results: The mean age of subjects was 48.75 +/- 10.7 years, mean BMI was 29.08 +/- 6.09 kg/m2. The mean % FM calculated by Durnin and Womersley [32.408 +/- 0.584], Jackson and Pollock [24.658 +/- 0.527], Sloan [20.40 +/- 0.545]. The % FM by BIA was 38.182 +/- 0.529. All three equations showed positive correlation but underestimated % FM as compared to BIA
Conclusion: All three BF estimation equations underestimate body fat percentage compared to BIA. Among the three, Durnin and Womersley equation shows best positive correlation and hence it can be used for estimation of percentage fat mass as an alternate to BIA