A new anthropometric model for body composition estimation: Comparison with a bioelectrical impedance consumer device

Area of Science:

• Anthropometry
• Body Composition Analysis
• Obesity Research

Background:

• The Dahlmann-Body-Analysis (DBA) is an anthropometric model utilizing weight, height, and frame data.
• Incorporating abdomen circumference (AC) allows differentiation into muscularity and fat mass, enabling percentage fat mass (%FM) calculation.
• This offers a cost-effective approach for epidemiological studies on body composition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the accuracy of the DBA model in estimating %FM.
• To compare DBA-derived %FM with measurements from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).
• To assess the DBA model's efficacy, particularly in individuals with severe obesity.

Main Methods:

• 103 adults (37 males, 66 females) with obesity (BMI 38.2 ± 4.8 kg/m²) participated.
• %FM was estimated using a tetrapolar BIA device and the DBA system.
• Bland-Altman analysis and linear regression were employed to assess agreement between the two methods.

Main Results:

• High correlations were observed between DBA and BIA %FM estimates (men: r=0.86, CCC=0.84; women: r=0.85, CCC=0.83).
• Bland-Altman plots showed narrow limits of agreement, indicating good concordance.
• The DBA system demonstrated minimal systematic error, with overall mean difference of -0.066 ± 5.17 (2SD) %FM compared to BIA.

Conclusions:

• The DBA model, incorporating abdomen circumference, shows strong concordance with BIA for %FM estimation.
• Findings suggest the DBA model is a reliable tool for assessing body composition in severely obese white European populations.
• The DBA system provides a valid and cost-effective alternative for body fat assessment in epidemiological research.