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[The evaluation of body composition in children by anthropometry and impedance measurement]
E Ferrante1, G Pitzalis, F Deganello
1I Clinica Pediatrica, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza.
Insights
This study analyzed body composition in 407 healthy children using anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Results showed sex differences in fat mass and distribution, but no significant differences between sexes in fat distribution rates.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Human Physiology
- Body Composition Analysis
Background:
- Understanding body composition in healthy prepubertal children is crucial for assessing growth and health.
- Anthropometric measurements and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) are common methods for evaluating body composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate anthropometric parameters and BIA-derived body composition in healthy prepubertal children.
- To analyze sex-based differences and weight class variations in body composition and fat distribution.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 407 healthy prepubertal children (205 males, 202 females).
- Measurements included weight, height, skinfolds, body circumferences, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).
- Derived parameters included fat mass (FM), total body water (TBW), arm fat area (AFA), and arm muscle area (AMA).
Main Results:
- Females exhibited higher average values for skinfolds, fat mass (FM), and arm fat area (AFA).
- Males had a higher wrist circumference, and waist-to-hip and waist-to-thigh circumference ratios.
- Fat mass derived from skinfolds was higher than that derived from BIA in both sexes.
- Significant variations in mean values were observed across weight classes, except for waist-to-hip and waist-to-thigh ratios.
Conclusions:
- While differences in fat mass and certain circumferences exist between sexes, the data suggest no significant differences in fat distribution patterns in prepubertal children.
- Both anthropometry and BIA are valuable tools for assessing body composition in pediatric populations.
- Further research may explore longitudinal changes and the impact of physical activity on body composition in children.
Abstract:
Several anthropometric parameters (weight, height, thickness skinfolds, and body circumferences) together with the bioelectric impedance (BIA) were measured in a group of 407 healthy prepuberal children (205 males, mean age +/- SD: 6.8 +/- 1.6 years; 202 females, mean age +/- SD: 6.6 +/- 1.6 years) who did not practice any competitive sport. The group was divided into six weight classes (underweight to obese 3). The average values of the anthropometric data, BIA, FM (which is derived from the thickness skinfolds and BIA), TBW (derived from BIA), AFA and AMA (both derived from the forearm circumference and triceps skinfold) were all evaluated in relation to sex and weight classes. The average values of all the measured thickness skinfolds, FM and AFA were higher in the females. When considering the body circumferences, only the wrist circumference showed a statistically significant difference between sexes, being higher in males. In contrast both the rates waist/hips circumferences and waist/thigh circumferences were higher in males. As far as the BIA and FM average values is concerned, these were higher in females. The average value of FM derived from measuring the thickness skinfolds (males = 17.65 +/- 4.89%: females = 23.81 +/- 4.72% of body weight) proved higher than that one derived from BIA (males = 17 +/- 9.02%; females = 19.27 +/- 9.18%). The analysis of anthropometric and BIA data in relation to the weight classes showed significant variations of the mean values, except the rates waist/hips circumferences and waist/thigh circumferences. Therefore our data seem to exclude the presence of any difference of the fat distribution between sexes in paediatric age.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)