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Body fat estimation in black South Africans: a pilot study
G M Oosthuizen1, G Joubert, W F Mollentze
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
The Central African Journal of Medicine
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Body fat estimation methods like skinfold thickness and bioelectrical impedance are reliable for Black South Africans. Existing equations may apply, but ethnic-specific formulas are recommended for improved accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Human physiology
- Anthropometry
- Body composition analysis
Background:
- Accurate body fat estimation is crucial for health assessment.
- Existing body fat estimation equations may not be universally applicable across diverse racial groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare body fat percentage estimation in Black South Africans using underwater weighing, skinfold measurements, and bioelectrical impedance.
- To evaluate the applicability of current body fat estimation equations to this specific population.
Main Methods:
- A blind comparison of three body fat estimation techniques was conducted.
- Fourteen healthy Black South African volunteers (6 female, 8 male) with a Body Mass Index of 20–30 kg/m² participated.
Main Results:
- All methods showed positive correlations (r ≥ 0.69) but differed significantly, except for the underwater weighing equations.
- Differences between underwater weighing equations were within 4 units.
- Skinfold and bioelectrical impedance estimates showed larger deviations (up to 14 and 18 units, respectively) from underwater weighing.
Conclusions:
- Skinfold thickness and bioelectrical impedance are practical methods for body fat estimation.
- Current body fat estimation equations appear applicable but ethnic-specific equations are suggested for this population.