ABSTRACT
When assessing fitness levels, body composition is usually measured. The purpose of this study was to determine the overall efficacy of a body mass index [BM I] equation for predicting body composition with respect to college aged participants. Body composition was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry [DXA] and was estimated using the Womersley and Durnin BMI prediction equation. There was no significant [P=0.8] percent body fatt [%BF] difference between the BMI prediction equation and DXA [BMI Predicted=25 [10] [min=6; max=52] %PFvs DXA=25 [6] [min=10; max=45] %BF]. In addition, a significant correlation was found between the two approaches [r=0.79l, P=0.001]. However. both the standard error of estimate [6.32%BF] and total error [6.63 %BF] were outside acceptable ranges for prediction equations. The Womersley and Durnin equation for estimating %BF was not found to be a good estimate. Therefore, although the BMI predicted %BF has been previously found to predict skinfold estimated %BF, it does not appear valid in estimating %BF from DXA