Use of direct and indirect methods for measuring body composition of young people – preliminary report

Background. Metabolic disturbances leading to diabetes and cardio-vascular disease development are strongly connected with body fat mass and distribution. Indirect (anthropometric) and direct (e.g. bioimpedance) methods are used to assess body composition.

Objectives. The aim of this study was a characterization of young people body composition using bioimpedance technique and to establish an association between body fat distribution parameters and anthropometric indices.

Material and methods. The study included 48 volunteers (40 female and 8 male) aged 20–25 years. Firstly they were asked to fill in a questionnaire, then anthropometric measurement (height, weight, waist, hip circumference) and biochemical parameters (fasting glucose, lipid profile) were measured. 8-electrode bioimpedance technique was used to evaluate body composition.

Results. Trunk Body Fat mass and percentage were not different between males and females (M: 9.2 vs. F: 6.0 kg; p > 0.05). Most of participants were classified to the middle Total Body Fat class (M: 75.0%, F: 57.5%). The strongest relationship between Body Mass Index and Trunk Body Fat were observed (r = 0.81; p < 0.001).

Conclusions. Young, potentially healthy people are characterized by a low health risk connected with Total Body and Trunk Fat Mass assessed by bioimpedance technique. Statistically significant correlations for anthropometric parameters with trunk and

peripheral body fat were observed, and the strongest relationship existed between Trunk Body Fat and BMI.