Predicting Body Fat Percentage from Anthropometric Measurements in Asian Athletes

Abstract

Purpose

Researchers have predicted body fat percentage (BF%), as indicated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), from skinfold thicknesses in North American and European athletes, but not athletes from other regions. We sought to estimate an equation to predict BF% in elite Asian athletes from their skinfold thickness and girth measurements, with DXA as a reference method.

Methods

We collected data from two samples of athletes on Singaporean national teams. With the first sample (n = 95), we developed an equation to predict BF%, and then tested the equation in the second sample (n = 21). We used backward stepwise regression and the Akaike information criteria (AIC) to determine the final equation.

Results

Triceps, subscapular, front thigh, and (natural log of) abdominal skinfold thicknesses, waist circumference, and female sex were positively associated with BF% (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our equation for predicting BF% from anthropometric measurements is the first one based on Asian athletes. This equation could help practitioners estimate BF% of Asian athletes if DXA is unavailable.

Funding

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases(1R01DK132385)

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