Estimation of body fat: correlation between skinfold measurements and selected indices of adiposity

The purpose of this study was to find out which index of adiposity among three selected adiposity indices (weight-height, Quetelet and modified ponderal) will correlate best with each of sum of sex-specific skinfolds and percent body fat estimated from skinfold measurements. A total of one hundred and forty subjects participated in the study, they were distributed into three groups using age as distribution criterion. The age groups were Group A (16 years to 25 years), Group B (26 - 35 years) and Group C (36 - 45 years). From the weights and heights of the subjects, the values of the three indices of adiposity were computed while the sum of skinfolds and percent body fat were computed from skinfold measurements. The Pearson's product correlation revealed index and estimate of adiposity was weight-height index for males, and Quetelet index for female subjects between 16 and 25 years of age. Modified ponderal index correlated best for males and Quetelet index for females in group B, while Quetelet index correlated best for males and modified ponderal index for females in group C. The clinical application for these results is that a single adiposity index should not be employed for all subjects. The adiposity index used for the estimation of body fat should depend on the sex and age of the subject.