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Electrical impedance in assessing human body composition: the BIA method.
M Abu Khaled1, M J McCutcheon, S Reddy
1Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama, Birmingham 35294.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Body impedance analysis (BIA) is a valid method for determining body fat percentage. This technique shows high correlation with underwater weighing when body fluids are stable.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biophysics
- Body Composition Analysis
Background:
- Body impedance analysis (BIA) is a non-invasive method to assess body composition.
- Understanding the fundamental principles and limitations of BIA is crucial for accurate body fat estimation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fundamental aspects and limitations of the body impedance analysis (BIA) method.
- To develop and validate a mathematical model for estimating total body fat using BIA.
Main Methods:
- BIA measurements were taken using a low-level 50-KHz current (800 microA).
- A linear regression equation was formulated to correlate impedance with total body fat.
- The hydrostatic densitometric method (underwater weighing) was employed for validation.
Main Results:
- A high correlation coefficient of 0.98 was achieved between BIA and hydrostatic densitometry.
- The proposed linear regression equation demonstrated the utility of BIA for body fat assessment.
Conclusions:
- The BIA method is a useful tool for determining percent body fat in humans.
- Accurate BIA measurements require stable body fluid levels for several hours prior to assessment.