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Body fat measurement in adolescents: comparison of skinfold thickness equations with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 59, pages 1158–1166 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

To compare the most commonly used equations to predict body fatness from skinfold thickness, in male and female adolescents, with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as a reference method of fatness measurement.

Design:

Cross-sectional nutrition survey.

Setting:

General adolescent population from Zaragoza (Spain).

Subjects and methods:

A total of 238 Caucasian adolescents (167 females and 113 males), aged 13.0–17.9 y, were recruited from 15 school groups in 11 public and private schools. The percentage fat mass (%FM) was calculated by using skinfold-thickness equations. Predicted %FM was compared with the reference %FM values, measured by DXA. The lack of agreement between methods was assessed by calculating the bias and its 95% limits of agreement.

Results:

Most equations did not demonstrate good agreement compared with DXA. However, in male adolescents, Slaughter et al equations showed relative biases that were not dependent on body fatness and the limits of agreement were narrower than those obtained from the rest of equations. In females, Brook's equation showed nonsignificant differences against DXA and the narrowest 95% limits of agreement. Only biases from Brook and Slaughter et al equations were not dependent on body fatness in female adolescents.

Conclusions:

Accuracy of most of the skinfold-thickness equations for assessment of %FM in adolescents was poor at the individual level. Nevertheless, to predict %FM when a relative index of fatness is required in field or clinical studies, Slaughter et al equations may be used in adolescents from both sexes and the Brook equation in female adolescents.

Sponsorship:

Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain.

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Acknowledgements

This study supported by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Spain): Grant FIS 00/0015-05 and Red de Centros RCESP, C03/09.

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Author notes

  1. G Rodríguez, L A Moreno, M G Blay, V A Blay, J Fleta, A Sarría and M Bueno: AVENA-Zaragoza Study Group: M Bueno, LA Moreno, A Sarría, J Fleta, G Rodríguez, CM Gil, MI Mesana, Y Loya, JA Casajús, MG Blay, VA Blay.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain

    G Rodríguez, A Sarría & M Bueno

  2. University School of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain

    L A Moreno & J Fleta

  3. Endocrinology Unit, Military Hospital of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain

    M G Blay & V A Blay

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  1. G Rodríguez
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  2. L A Moreno
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  3. M G Blay
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  4. V A Blay
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  5. J Fleta
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  7. M Bueno
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the AVENA-Zaragoza Study Group

Corresponding author

Correspondence to G Rodríguez.

Additional information

Guarantors: G Rodríguez and LA Moreno.

Contributors: GR and LAM were responsible for study design, analysis and writing; MGB and VAB were responsible for analysis and discussion; JF, AS and MB were responsible for conception, design and comments.

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Rodríguez, G., Moreno, L., Blay, M. et al. Body fat measurement in adolescents: comparison of skinfold thickness equations with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Eur J Clin Nutr 59, 1158–1166 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602226

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602226

Keywords

  • skinfold thickness
  • total body fat
  • dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
  • adolescents

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