Validity of bioelectrical impedance equations for estimating percent fat in males

The present study examined the validity of selected bioelectrical impedance (BIA) equations for estimating percent fat (% fat) in males and compared their validity with that of a commonly used skinfold equation (Sum3). One-hundred twenty-two Caucasian males (X +/- SD = 12.5 +/- 5.8% fat, as determined by underwater weighing) served as subjects. Selection of the BIA equations was dependent upon meeting at least one of three criteria: 1) developed from a previous interlaboratory investigation, 2) derived on a large sample size (> 200), or 3) previously been shown to accurately estimate body composition when cross-validated against a criterion method. Cross-validation analyses included examination of the constant error, standard error of estimate (SEE), r, and total error (TE). The Sum3 equation which resulted in the lowest SEE and TE values (2.6% fat and 3.4% fat, respectively) and the highest validity coefficient (r = 0.90, P < 0.001), most accurately estimated % fat and, therefore, was recommended over BIA equations for estimating body composition in Caucasian males with lean to average body fatness. The fat-specific interlaboratory BIA equation of Segal et al. for males < or = 20% fat (N = 107) which resulted in a TE value of 3.6% fat and the generalized equation of Guo et al. (TE = 4.1% fat) may, however, be considered as acceptable alternatives.