Using simple anthropometric measures to predict body fat in South Asians

Previously determined predictive equations for body fat mass (BFM) are primarily derived from populations of European origin, which may not be appropriate for all ethnic groups. The objective of this study was to develop an improved predictive equation for BFM specific to South Asians and derived from common anthropometric measurements that include measures of central adiposity. A total of 208 apparently healthy South Asian men and women, aged 30-65 years, were recruited. Anthropometric measurements and BFM by dual energy X-ray absorbitometry (DEXA) were obtained. Sex-specific equations predicting BFM were developed using regression models on a reference subset (68 men, 70 women) and tested on a validation group. New predictive equations (BFMNEW) were tested for agreement with Durin and Wormersley and Siri equations and with the reference method, DEXA. The best predictive sex-specific equation involved a combination of skinfolds, waist circumference, hip circumference, humerus breadth, height, mass, and age. Models significantly correlated with BFM determined by DEXA (r = 0.946 for men; r = 0.974 for women; p < 0.001). The estimates of BFM from reference and validation groups had excellent correlations and displayed excellent agreement to DEXA measures. We demonstrated new predictive equations for BFM that are specific to South Asians and incorporate measures of central adiposity. This may help resolve issues surrounding inaccurate determination of adiposity in South Asians, and consequently provide better estimations of disease risk.