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Estimation of body fatness from body mass index and bioelectrical impedance: comparison of New Zealand European, Maori and Pacific Island children

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 57, pages 1394–1401 (2003)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective: To compare percentage body fat (%BF) for a given body mass index (BMI) among New Zealand European, Maori and Pacific Island children. To develop prediction equations based on bioimpedance measurements for the estimation of fat-free mass (FFM) appropriate to children in these three ethnic groups.

Design: Cross-sectional study. Purposive sampling of schoolchildren aimed at recruiting three children of each sex and ethnicity for each year of age. Double cross-validation of FFM prediction equations developed by multiple regression.

Setting: Local schools in Auckland.

Subjects: Healthy European, Maori and Pacific Island children (n=172, 83 M, 89 F, mean age 9.4±2.8(s.d.), range 5–14 y).

Measurements: Height, weight, age, sex and ethnicity were recorded. FFM was derived from measurements of total body water by deuterium dilution and resistance and reactance were measured by bioimpedance analysis.

Results: For fixed BMI, the Maori and Pacific Island girls averaged 3.7% lower %BF than European girls. For boys a similar relation was not found since BMI did not significantly influence %BF of European boys (P=0.18). Based on bioimpedance measurements a single prediction equation was developed for all children: FFM (kg)=0.622 height (cm)2/resistance+0.234 weight (kg)+1.166, R2=0.96, s.e.e.=2.44 kg. Ethnicity, age and sex were not significant predictors.

Conclusions: A robust equation for estimation of FFM in New Zealand European, Maori and Pacific Island children in the 5–14 y age range that is more suitable than BMI for the determination of body fatness in field studies has been developed.

Sponsorship: Maurice and Phyllis Paykel Trust, Auckland University of Technology Contestable Grants Fund and the Ministry of Health.

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Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of the multidisciplinary teams from the University of Auckland, Massey University and the Auckland University of Technology to this part of the Validation Study for the National Children's Nutrition Survey. The ongoing support and guidance of the Kaitiaki group for the appropriate collection and use of Maori data is acknowledged. The parents and children who took part and gave of their time and interest are recognised as the most important contributors to this study.

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Author notes

  1. E C Rush: Guarantors: EC Rush.

  2. E C Rush, K Puniani, M E Valencia, P S W Davies and L D Plank: Contributors: EC Rush was involved in study proposal and design, quality control, data analysis and writing of the manuscript. KP contributed to community consultation, data collection, initial data analysis, and literature review. MEV performed data collection, coordination, data analysis and writing of the manuscript. PSWD contributed to study design for measurement of body water, analysis of deuterium and determination of body water. LDP was involved in data analysis and writing of the manuscript.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand

    E C Rush & K Puniani

  2. División de Nutrición, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Hermosillo, Sonora, México

    M E Valencia

  3. Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Children's Nutrition Research Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

    P S W Davies

  4. Department of Surgery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    L D Plank

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  1. E C Rush
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Correspondence to E C Rush.

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Rush, E., Puniani, K., Valencia, M. et al. Estimation of body fatness from body mass index and bioelectrical impedance: comparison of New Zealand European, Maori and Pacific Island children. Eur J Clin Nutr 57, 1394–1401 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601701

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