Estimating Body Fat in College Men: Comparing Methods
Author Information
Author(s): Jordan R Moon, Sarah E Tobkin, Abbie E Smith, Michael D Roberts, Eric D Ryan, Vincent J Dalbo, Chris M Lockwood, Ashley A Walter, Joel T Cramer, Travis W Beck, Jeffrey R Stout
Primary Institution: University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the validity of field and laboratory methods for estimating percent fat in healthy college-age men compared to the Siri three-compartment model.
Conclusion
The study found that laboratory methods like hydrostatic weighing and air-displacement plethysmography are valid for estimating body fat, while some field methods are also acceptable.
Supporting Evidence
- Hydrostatic weighing and air-displacement plethysmography produced acceptable total error values.
- BIA-AK and BIA-Lohman methods also yielded acceptable total error values.
- Military circumference-based equations produced unacceptable total error values.
Takeaway
This study looked at different ways to measure body fat in college guys and found that some lab methods work really well, while a couple of simpler methods are okay too.
Methodology
Participants had their body fat estimated using various methods including bioelectrical impedance analysis, near-infrared interactance, military circumference equations, air-displacement plethysmography, and hydrostatic weighing.
Limitations
The study's estimates of body fat from the three-compartment model may have greater agreement with hydrostatic weighing, and the use of more complex models could provide better validation.
Participant Demographics
Thirty-one Caucasian men aged 22.5 ± 2.7 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.006
Statistical Significance
p < 0.006
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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