Predictive anthropometric models of total and truncal body fat in Chilean children

This study aimed to develop predictive anthropometric models for total and truncal body fat in Chilean children using the following anthropometric measurements: weight, height, skinfold thickness, and circumference.

This cross-sectional study included 669 Chilean children (12.0 y ± 1.3) in Tanner stage IV from the Growth and Obesity Chilean Cohort Study. Anthropometric measurements and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were determined to calculate total and truncal body fat. Prediction models were fitted by linear regression analysis.

The predictive equation for log total body fat (kg) was 0.449 + 0.049 (body mass index in kg/m²) + 0.018 (triceps skinfold in mm) + 0.012 (biceps skinfold in mm) + 0.019 (brachial circumference in cm) + 0.091 (sex: 1 = boy, 2 = girl) + 0.018 (age in y). The predictive equation for log truncal fat (kg) was -2.107 + 0.046 (waist circumference in cm) + 0.010 (subscapular skinfold in mm) + 0.259 (sex: 1 = boy, 2 = girl) + 0.006 (age in y). The test of concordance between the predictive equations of total and truncal body fat with gold standard was r = 0.85 and 0.91, respectively.

In Chilean children, the high correlation between observed and predicted values enabled us to develop predictive equations for total and truncal body fat for children.