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[A study on body fat in children aged 7-12]
1Department of Children and Adolescent Health, China Medical University, Shenyang.
Insights
Body fat in healthy children (7-12 years) averaged 15.12% for boys and 17.15% for girls. Skinfold measurements strongly correlated with body fat proportion, aiding in its estimation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Body Composition Analysis
- Anthropometry
Context:
- Assessing body fat is crucial for monitoring child health and development.
- Accurate body composition data in children informs nutritional and health interventions.
- Previous research has established various methods for estimating body fat in pediatric populations.
Purpose:
- To determine the average body fat proportion in healthy children aged 7-12 years.
- To investigate the correlation between skinfold measurements and body fat percentage.
- To develop a regression equation for estimating body fat based on skinfold data.
Summary:
- Sixty-three healthy children (7-12 years) underwent body density measurements using hydrostatic weighing and Brozek's formula for body fat calculation.
- Skinfold thickness was measured at four body sites using a Harpenden caliper.
- Results indicated average body fat proportions of 15.12% for males and 17.15% for females, with no significant sex-based difference.
- Stepwise regression analysis revealed a strong correlation (r=0.6664, P<0.01) between body fat proportion and skinfold measurements.
- A regression equation was formulated to estimate body fat from skinfold data, contributing to understanding body fat development in children.
Impact:
- Provides normative data for body fat percentage in healthy children aged 7-12.
- Highlights the utility of skinfold measurements as a reliable and accessible method for estimating body fat in this age group.
- Offers a practical regression equation for researchers and clinicians to assess pediatric body composition.
Abstract:
Three and sixty healthy children aged 7-12 with normal development and better-nourishment were selected by stratification according to their height and weight. Body density was measured with hydrostatic weighing technique. Body fat proportion was calculated with Brozek formula. Skinfolds of the four parts of the body (triceps, subscapular, etc.) were measured by Harpenden skinfolds caliper. Results showed body fat proportion in children aged 7-12 averaged 15.12% for male and 17.15% for female, with no significant difference. Body fat proportion was analyzed by stepwise regression on height, weight, skinfolds, and upper arm circumstance. Body fat proportion highly correlated to skinfolds with an r = 0.6664 and P < 0.01. A regression equation of body fat on skinfolds was developed, and laws for the development and changes of body fat discussed in the paper.