Effect of pre-season and in-season training on anthropometric variables, somatotype, body composition and body proportion in elite basketball players

The aims of the study were: 1) to evaluate the changes in anthropometric variables, body composition, somatotype and body proportions of elite basketball players throughout the pre-season period; 2) to evaluate the changes in anthropometric variables, body composition, somatotype and body proportions of elite basketball players throughout the in-season period; and 3) to observe if the age and position influenced the variables analyzed. A total of 17 players belonging to the men's ACB league team competing in the Euroleague (age = 23.42 ± 5.28 years-old) participated in the study. The players underwent an anthropometric measurement before and after the pre-season, as well as four evaluations throughout the in-season. Anthropometric indices, somatotype components according to Heath and Carter, and adiposity were calculated. The results show that during the pre-season, body mass, BMI, sum of 6 and 8 skinfolds, waist/hip ratio, adipose tissue (kg), adipose tissue percentage, and endomorphy decreased, while ectomorphy increased. However, no significant changes were found in the variables analyzed throughout the season; except for endomorphy, which increased along the in-season. Playing position and age did not have a significant influence on the changes in the anthropometric variables throughout the pre-season and the in-season. In conclusion, while changes in the anthropometric variables in the pre-season were observed, these remained the same during the in-season.

Tracking of anthropometric characteristics from childhood to adolescence: an 8-year follow-up findings from the Czech ELSPAC study

BACKGROUND

Although evidence suggests that obesity track well from childhood to adolescence, most of the research has been done in Western and high-income countries. Moreover, most of the studies have tracked body-mass index, as a proxy of nutritional status, while tracking characteristics of circumferences and skinfold thicknesses have been less studies. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to explore tracking characteristics of complete anthropometric data from childhood to adolescence.

METHODS

This sub-study was part of the Czech ELSPAC study. In the present 8-year longitudinal study, we collected information from pediatrician's medical records at the ages of 8 y (n = 888), 11 y (n = 1065), 13 y (n = 811) and 15 y (n = 974), including circumferences (head, chest, waist, hips, and arm), indices (body-mass index, waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio) and skinfold thicknesses (biceps, triceps, subscapula, suprailiaca, thigh and the sum of 5 skinfolds). Participants were recruited from the two selected regions of the Czech Republic (Brno and Znojmo). Linear generalized estimating equations were conducted to analyze tracking patterns over an 8-year follow-up period for all anthropometric measurements.

RESULTS

Tracking coefficients were moderate to strong, ranging from 0.40 to 0.62 for circumferences, 0.41 to 0.74 for indices and 0.72 to 0.86 for skinfolds. According to body-mass index and waist circumference standards, overweight/obese children and children with abdominal obesity at the age of 8 y were 11.31 (95% CI = 8.41 to 15.22, p < 0.001) and 10.73 (95% CI = 7.93 to 14.52, p < 0.001) more likely to remain overweight/obese and to have abdominal obesity at the age of 15 y.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings show moderate to strong tracking of anthropometric characteristics, i.e. circumferences track moderately well, while strong tracking for indices and skinfold thicknesses is observed. Moreover, strong tracking of general overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity between ages 8 y and 15 y indicates that the detection of these risk factors at the beginning of primary school should be advocated.

The acute effect of the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive cycle on measures of body composition

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of fluctuating female hormones during the menstrual cycle (MC) and oral contraceptive (OC) cycle on different measures of body composition.

METHODS

Twenty-two women with a natural MC and thirty women currently taking combined monophasic OC were assessed over three phases of the menstrual or oral contraceptive cycle. Body weight, skinfolds, bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA), ultrasound, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) measurements were performed to assess body composition. Urine specific gravity (USG) was measured as an indication of hydration, and serum oestradiol and progesterone were measured to confirm cycle phases.

RESULTS

Five participants with a natural MC were excluded based on the hormone analysis. For the remaining participants, no significant changes over the MC and OC cycle were found for body weight, USG, skinfolds, BIA, ultrasound and pQCT measures. However, DXA body fat percentage and fat mass were lower in the late follicular phase compared to the mid-luteal phase of the MC, while for the OC cycle, DXA body fat percentage was higher and lean mass lower in the early hormone phase compared with the late hormone phase.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that assessment of body fat percentage through BIA and skinfolds may be performed without considering the MC or OC cycle. Body adiposity assessment via DXA, however, may be affected by female hormone fluctuations and therefore, it may be advisable to perform repeat testing using DXA during the same phase of the MC or OC cycle.

The impact of lifestyle and socioeconomic parameters on body fat level in early childhood

The aim of this study was to examine the differences between selected lifestyle and socioeconomic parameters among preschool (3-7 years of age) children of differing adiposity status. The study was conducted from February to June 2018 in 20 randomly selected kindergartens in Kraków, Poland. Triceps, biceps, subscapular, suprailiac, abdominal and calf skinfold thicknesses were measured. The sum of all six skinfolds was calculated and the children were subsequently characterized by low (≤-1 SD [standard deviation]), normal (-1 to 1 SD) or high body fat (≥1 SD). Socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics were obtained using a questionnaire filled out by the children's parents or legal guardians. Preschool children in the high adiposity category had, on average, fewer siblings and longer screen time; additionally, their parents had lower education and more often worked in manual jobs, in comparison to the children in the low and average adiposity categories. In conclusion, it was observed that children in different adiposity categories varied in terms of some socioeconomic as well as lifestyle characteristics. Knowledge regarding the influence that those factors can have on the metabolic health of children is essential for children's present as well as future well-being. Moreover, it can help health care professionals and parents decide what intervention and/ or preventive measures should be undertaken to ensure the best possible outcomes, as the development of successful obesity prevention strategies should rely on evidence-based information. Nonetheless, future research examining the issue of factors influencing the metabolic health of children, as well as these outcomes later in life, is crucial. Well-planned studies including a large number of individuals, as well as longitudinal research, will be particularly beneficial in this regard.

Urinary phthalates and body mass index in preschool children: The MIREC Child Development Plus study

Childhood exposure to phthalates, a class of chemicals with known reproductive and developmental effects, has been hypothesized to increase the risk of obesity, but this association is not well understood in preschool children. We examined the association between urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites and concurrently measured body mass index (BMI) and skinfolds among children between the ages of two and five years. We collected anthropometric measures and biomonitoring data on approximately 200 children enrolled in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals Child Development Plus study. We measured 22 phthalate metabolites in children's urine and used the 19 metabolites detected in at least 40% of samples. Our primary outcome was BMI z-scores calculated using the World Health Organization growth standards. Skinfold z-scores were secondary outcomes. We used multivariable linear regression to evaluate the association between tertiles of phthalate concentrations and each anthropometric measure. We also used weighted quantile sum regression to identify priority exposures of concern. Our analytic sample included 189 singleton-born children with complete anthropometric data. Children with concentrations of the parent compound di-n-butyl phthalate (∑DnBP) in the third tertile had 0.475 (95% CI: 0.068, 0.883) higher BMI z-scores than those in the lower tertile. ∑DnBP was identified as a priority exposure in the weighted quantile sum regression BMI model. In this population of Canadian preschool aged children, we identified DnBP as a potential chemical of concern in regard to childhood obesity. Future research with serial phthalate measurements and anthropometric measurements in young children will help confirm these findings.

Comparison of bioimpedance body composition in young adults in the Russian Children's Study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Body mass index is a simple anthropometric measure (kg/m²) used as an indirect estimate of body fat in individuals, and in assessments of population health and comparisons between populations. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is often used to provide additional information on body fat and fat-free mass, and has been used to generate body composition reference data in national health surveys. However, BIA measurements are known to be device-specific and there are few published studies comparing results from different BIA instruments. Therefore, we compared the performance of two BIA instruments in the Russian Children's Study (RCS) of male growth, pubertal development and maturation.

METHODS

Paired BIA measurements were obtained using the Tanita BC-418MA (Tanita Corp., Tokyo, Japan) and ABC-01 'Medas' (Medas Ltd, Moscow, Russia) BIA instruments. Cross-sectional data on 236 RCS subjects aged 18-22 years were used for the BIA comparison and the development of a conversion formula between measured resistances; follow-up data (n = 96) were used for validation of the conversion formula.

RESULTS

Whole-body resistances were highly correlated (Spearman rho = 0.95), but fat mass (FM) estimates were significantly higher with the Medas than the Tanita device (median difference 3.3 kg, 95% CI: 2.9, 3.6 kg) with large limits of agreement (LoA) for the FM difference (-2.0, 8.6 kg). A conversion formula between the resistances (Res) was obtained: Medas Res = 0.882 × Tanita Res+26.2 (r² = 0.91, SEE = 17.6 Ohm). After applying the conversion formula to Tanita data and application of the Medas assessment algorithm, the 'converted' Tanita FM estimates closely matched the Medas original estimates (median difference -0.1 kg, 95% CI: -0.3, 0.2 kg), with relatively small LoA for the FM difference (-2.3 to 2.1 kg), suggesting potential interchangeability of the ABC-01 'Medas' and Tanita BC-418MA data at the group level.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the importance of cross-calibration of BIA instruments for population comparisons and proper data interpretation in clinical and epidemiological studies.

A clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of Herbal Formulation for Obesity (HFO-02) in overweight individuals

BACKGROUND

Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine offers many herbs and formulations for management of obesity. Baidyanath Bhawan Pvt. Ltd has designed a formulation, HFO-02, based on Ayurvedic literature.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of Herbal Formulation for Obesity (HFO-02) in overweight individuals.

MATERIALS & METHODS

With approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee, a proof of concept study was carried out in overweight individuals (Body Mass Index, BMI ≥25.0 and ≤ 30.0 kg/m²), devoid of any endocrinological disorders. Tablet HFO-02 (500 mg) was administered to these individuals twice daily for 90 days, during which they were called at study site fortnightly. After stopping the treatment, they were further followed up for 30 days off-medication and the last follow up was scheduled on day 120. Anthropometric parameters were assessed at every visit, while biochemical parameters viz. lipid profile, blood sugar & insulin levels (both fasting and post prandial), C- reactive protein and adipocytokines (leptin & adiponectin) were estimated monthly.

RESULTS

Of the 18 participants recruited in the study; 14 completed the study. HFO-02 did not show reduction in weight, however a significant decrease in the body circumference and skin fold was demonstrated. This decrease was maintained till day 120. The levels of all biochemical parameters were maintained and no adverse events were reported throughout the study.

CONCLUSION

Tablet HFO-02 reduced body circumferences and skinfold thickness indicating its potential for obesity management.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CTRI/2016/07/007067.

Anthropometric and clinical correlates of fat mass in healthy term infants at 6 months of age

BACKGROUND

Body composition in infancy plays a central role in the programming of metabolic diseases. Fat mass (FM) is determined by personal and environmental factors. Anthropometric measurements allow for estimations of FM in many age groups; however, correlations of these measurements with FM in early stages of life are scarcely reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate anthropometric and clinical correlates of FM in healthy term infants at 6 months of age.

METHODS

Healthy term newborns (n = 102) from a prospective cohort. Weight, length, skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular and the sum -SFS-) and waist circumference (WC) were measured at 6 months. Body mass index (BMI) and WC/length ratio were computed. Type of feeding during the first 6 months of age was recorded. Air displacement plethysmography was used to asses FM (percentage -%-) and FM index (FMI) was calculated. Correlations and general linear models were performed to evaluate associations.

RESULTS

Significant correlations were observed between all anthropometric measurements and FM (% and index)(p < 0.001). Exclusive/predominant breastfed infants had higher FM and anthropometric measurements at 6 months. Models that showed the strongest associations with FM (% and index) were SFS + WC + sex + type of feeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Anthropometry showed good correlations with FM at 6 months of age. Skinfolds sum and waist circumference were the strongest anthropometric variables associated to FM. Exclusive/predominant breastfeeding was strongly associated with FM.

Anthropometric prediction of DXA-measured body composition in female team handball players

Background

The relevance of body composition (BC) to performance in sport has long been appreciated with special concern on the total and regional proportion of fat and muscle. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is able to accurately measure BC, but it may not be easily available in practice; anthropometry has long been used as a simple and inexpensive field method to objectively assess BC. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to develop and validate a sport-specific anthropometric predictive equation for total body fat mass (FM) and lean mass components in female handball players to be used in the sport setting; second, to cross-validate in female team handball players several independently developed, predictive equations for BC in female athletes.

Methods

A total of 85 female team handball players (30 wings, 31 backs, 14 pivots, 10 goalkeepers) of different competitive levels underwent anthropometry and a whole-body DXA scan. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to develop predictive equations in a derivation sample (n = 60) of randomly selected players using demographic and anthropometric variables. The developed equations were used to predict DXA outcomes in an independent validation sample (n = 25).

Results

Statistically significant (P < 0.001) models were developed for total body FM (adjusted R² = 0.943, standard error of the estimate, SEE = 1,379 g), percentage FM (adjusted R² = 0.877, SEE = 2.00%), fat-free soft tissue mass (FFSTM) (adjusted R² = 0.834, SEE = 2,412 g), fat-free mass (FFSTM + bone mineral content; adjusted R² = 0.829, SEE = 2,579 g). All models were robust to collinearity. Each developed equation was successfully validated in the remaining 25 players using correlation analysis, mean signed difference, t-test, and Bland–Altman plot. The whole dataset of team handball players (n = 85) was used to cross-validate several predictive equations independently developed by others in female athletes. Equations significantly (P < 0.001 for all; t-test) over- or underestimated the corresponding DXA measurements.

Discussion

It is concluded that in team female handball players the anthropometric equations presented herein are able to estimate body fat and FFSTM with accuracy. Several BC predictive anthropometric equations developed in different female athletic populations revealed inaccurate when tested in team handball players. These results should be of use for coaches, physical trainers, and nutritionists when evaluating the physical status of female team handball players.

New Equations to Predict Body Fat in Asian-Chinese Adults Using Age, Height, Skinfold Thickness, and Waist Circumference

BACKGROUND

Adiposity is an independent predictor of metabolic disease. However, highly accurate body fat assessment is not routinely done due to limited access to expensive and labor-intensive methods.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to develop body fat prediction equations for Asian-Chinese adults using easily attainable anthropometric measurements.

DESIGN

Prediction equations of body fat were developed using anthropometric and skinfold thickness measurements obtained from a cross-sectional study. These new equations were then validated using baseline data from an independent randomized controlled study.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

Healthy participants with no major diseases and not taking long-term medications were recruited in an ongoing cross-sectional study that began in June 2014 (n=439, 170 males, 269 females), as well as a randomized controlled trial (n=108, 58 males, 50 females) conducted from January 2013 to October 2014. Both the studies were conducted at Clinical Nutrition Research Center located in Singapore.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Data used to develop and validate equations were from two original studies that assessed body fat by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, age, waist circumference, height, and biceps and triceps skinfolds.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS PERFORMED

Sex-specific percent body fat prediction equations were developed using stepwise regression with Akaike Information Criterion on the cross-sectional data. The equations were then validated using data from the randomized controlled study and also compared against Asian-specific Davidson equations.

RESULTS

The best body fat prediction model (R²=0.722, standard error of estimation=2.97 for females; R²=0.815, standard error of estimation=2.49 for males) for both sexes included biceps and triceps skinfolds, waist circumference, age, and height. The new equations developed resulted in modest discrepancies in body fat of 1.8%±2.7% in males (P<0.001) and 0.7%±3.1% in females (P=0.125; not significant) compared with the Asian-specific Davidson equations (-7.4%±3.2% [P<0.001] and -7.4%±2.7% [P<0.001], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Sex-specific equations to predict the percent body fat of Asian-Chinese adults with a higher degree of accuracy were developed. Ease of use in both field and clinical settings will be a major advantage.

Prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants and child overweight/obesity at 5-year follow-up: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs), may influence offspring weight gain. More prospective epidemiological studies are needed to compliment the growing body of evidence from animal studies.

METHODS

Serum from 412 pregnant Norwegian and Swedish women participating in a Scandinavian prospective cohort study were collected in 1986-88, and analyses of two perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and five organochlorines (OCs) were conducted. We used linear and logistic regression models with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the associations between maternal serum POP concentrations at 17-20 weeks of gestation and child overweight/obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 85th percentile) at 5-year follow-up. Results were further stratified by country after testing for effect modification. We also assessed potential non-monotonic dose-response (NMDR) relationships.

RESULTS

In adjusted linear models, we observed increased BMI-for-age-and-sex z-score (β = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.01-0.35), and increased triceps skinfold z-score (β = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.02-0.27) in children at 5-year follow-up per ln-unit increase in maternal serum perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) concentrations. We observed increased odds for child overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 85th percentile) for each ln-unit increase in maternal serum PFOS levels (adjusted OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.11-3.74), with stronger odds among Norwegian children (OR: 2.96, 95% CI: 1.42-6.15). We found similar associations between maternal serum perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) concentrations and child overweight/obesity. We found indications of NMDR relationships between PFOS and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 153 and child overweight/obesity among Swedish children.

CONCLUSION

We found positive associations between maternal serum PFAS concentrations and child overweight/obesity at 5-year follow-up, particularly among Norwegian participants. We observed some evidence for NMDR relationships among Swedish participants.

Associations of maternal obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy with subcutaneous fat mass in infancy

BACKGROUND

Not much is known about the associations of maternal obesity and excessive gestational weight gain with body fat in infancy.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the associations of maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain with infant subcutaneous fat.

METHODS

In a population-based prospective cohort study among 845 mothers and their infants, we obtained maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index and measured maternal weight during pregnancy. At 1.5, 6 and 24months, we estimated infant total subcutaneous fat (sum of biceps, triceps, suprailiacal and subscapular skinfold thicknesses) and central-to-total subcutaneous fat ratio (sum of suprailiacal and subscapular skinfold thicknesses/total subcutaneous fat).

RESULTS

Maternal body mass index was positively associated with higher infant body mass index from 6months onwards. Maternal body mass index was not associated with infant subcutaneous fat measures at 1.5 or 6months. A 1-standard deviation scores (SDS) higher maternal body mass index was associated with a 0.09 (95% Confidence Interval 0.01, 0.17) SDS higher infant total subcutaneous fat at 24months, but not with central-to-total subcutaneous fat ratio. No associations were present for maternal total or period-specific gestational weight gain with infant fat.

CONCLUSION

Maternal body mass index was positively associated with infant body mass index and total subcutaneous fat in late infancy. Maternal total and period-specific gestational weight gain were not associated with infant body fat mass measures.

Validity of anthropometric equations to estimate infant fat mass at birth and in early infancy

BACKGROUND

In newborns and children, body fat estimation equations are often used at different ages than the age used to develop the equations. Limited validation studies exist for newborn body fat estimation equations at birth or later in infancy. The study purpose was to validate 4 newborn fat mass (FM) estimation equations in comparison to FM measured by air displacement plethysmography (ADP; the Pea Pod) at birth and 3 months.

METHODS

Ninety-five newborns (1-3 days) had their body composition measured by ADP and anthropometrics assessed by skinfolds. Sixty-three infants had repeat measures taken (3 months). FM measured by ADP was compared to FM from the skinfold estimation equations (Deierlein, Catalano, Lingwood, and Aris). Paired t-tests assessed mean differences, linear regression assessed accuracy, precision was assessed by R² and standard error of the estimate (SEE), and bias was assessed by Bland-Altman plots.

RESULTS

At birth, FM measured by ADP differed from FM estimated by Deierlein, Lingwood and Aris equations, but did not differ from the Catalano equation. At 3 months, FM measured by ADP was different from all equations. At both time points, poor precision and accuracy was detected. Bias was detected in most all equations.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor agreement, precision, and accuracy were found between prediction equations and the criterion at birth and 3 months.

Inter-Investigator Reliability of Anthropometric Prediction of 1RM Bench Press in College Football Players

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of inter-investigator differences in anthropometric assessments on the prediction of one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press in college football players. Division-II players (n = 34, age = 20.4 ± 1.2 y, 182.3 ± 6.6 cm, 99.1 ± 18.4 kg) were measured for selected anthropometric variables and 1RM bench press at the conclusion of a heavy resistance training program. Triceps, subscapular, and abdominal skinfolds were measured in triplicate by three investigators and used to estimate %fat. Arm circumference was measured around a flexed biceps muscle and was corrected for triceps skinfold to estimate muscle cross-sectional area (CSA). Chest circumference was measured at mid-expiration. Significant differences among the testers were evident in six of the nine anthropometric variables, with the least experienced tester being significantly different from the other testers on seven variables, although average differences among investigators ranged from 1-2% for circumferences to 4-9% for skinfolds. The two more experienced testers were significantly different on only one variable. Overall agreement among testers was high (ICC>0.895) for each variable, with low coefficients of variation (CV<10.7%). Predicted 1RMs for testers (126.9 ± 20.6, 123.4 ± 22.0, and 132.1 ± 28.4 kg, respectively) were not significantly different from actual 1RM (129.2 ± 20.6 kg). Individuals with varying levels of experience appear to have an acceptable level of ability to estimate 1RM bench press using a non-performance anthropometric equation. Minimal experience in anthropometry may not impede strength and conditioning specialists from accurately estimating 1RM bench press.

Pinch, cinch or step: Evaluating the effectiveness and acceptability of mid upper arm circumference measurements in adolescents with eating disorders

PURPOSE

Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurement is proposed as an adjunctive measure of re-nutrition progress in youth with eating disorders. We propose that MUAC is a clinically-useful measurement that can be used to inform clinicians about treatment progress. The aims of this study were twofold: 1) to test whether assessments of MUAC can track weight restoration in a similar pattern to direct measures of weight and 2) to examine adolescents' self-reported feelings in response to assessments of MUAC, weighing, and skinfolds (SF).

METHODS

The study involved two phases of data collection. Participants in both phases of the study were female patients who fulfilled DSM IV-TR diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder. In Phase 1, MUAC measurements and weight assessments were collected weekly to examine changes in these values during the first 8weeks of treatment. In Phase 2, participants reported their feelings towards three different anthropometric measures - weight, SF and MUAC.

RESULTS

Simple contrasts between the weekly weight and MUAC assessments prospectively collected in Phase 1 (N=40) reveal that MUAC and weight follow similar patterns over time. Phase 2 (N=30) data indicate that participants felt more relaxed, and less angry, scared or embarrassed during MUAC measurements than weighing and SF. MUAC also emerged as the measurement that was most preferred by participants.

CONCLUSIONS

MUAC measurements are a useful adjunct to measurements of weight, and are perceived to be less distressing than routinely used measurement techniques of weight and SF.

Percentile curves for skinfold thickness for Canadian children and youth

Background. Skinfold thickness (SFT) measurements are a reliable and feasible method for assessing body fat in children but their use and interpretation is hindered by the scarcity of reference values in representative populations of children. The objective of the present study was to develop age- and sex-specific percentile curves for five SFT measures (biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, medial calf) in a representative population of Canadian children and youth.

Methods. We analyzed data from 3,938 children and adolescents between 6 and 19 years of age who participated in the Canadian Health Measures Survey cycles 1 (2007/2009) and 2 (2009/2011). Standardized procedures were used to measure SFT. Age- and sex-specific centiles for SFT were calculated using the GAMLSS method.

Results. Percentile curves were materially different in absolute value and shape for boys and girls. Percentile girls in girls steadily increased with age whereas percentile curves in boys were characterized by a pubertal centered peak.

Conclusions. The current study has presented for the first time percentile curves for five SFT measures in a representative sample of Canadian children and youth.

Excessive adiposity at low BMI levels among women in rural Bangladesh

Asian populations have a higher percentage body fat (%BF) and are at higher risk for CVD and related complications at a given BMI compared with those of European descent. We explored whether %BF was disproportionately elevated in rural Bangladeshi women with low BMI. Height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference, triceps and subscapular skinfolds and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) were measured in 1555 women at 3 months postpartum. %BF was assessed by skinfolds and by BIA. BMI was calculated in adults and BMI Z-scores were calculated for females <20 years old. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves found the BMI and BMI Z-score cut-offs that optimally classified women as having moderately excessive adipose tissue (defined as >30 % body fat). Linear regressions estimated the association between BMI and BMI Z-score (among adolescents) and %BF. Mean BMI was 19·2 (sd 2·2) kg/m², and mean %BF was calculated as 23·7 (sd 4·8) % by skinfolds and 23·3 (sd 4·9) % by BIA. ROC analyses indicated that a BMI value of approximately 21 kg/m² optimised sensitivity (83·6 %) and specificity (84·2 %) for classifying subjects with >30 % body fat according to BIA among adults. This BMI level is substantially lower than the WHO recommended standard cut-off point of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m². The equivalent cut-off among adolescents was a BMI Z-score of –0·36, with a sensitivity of 81·3 % and specificity of 80·9 %. These findings suggest that Bangladeshi women exhibit excess adipose tissue at substantially lower BMI compared with non-South Asian populations. This is important for the identification and prevention of obesity-related metabolic diseases.

Metabolomic (anthropometric and biochemical) indexes and metabolic syndrome in adolescents and young adults with intellectual disabilities

The aim of the present study was to describe the use of combination of international standardized anthropometric parameters, along with biochemical parameters (metabolomic indexes) to identify metabolic syndrome (MetS), in persons with intellectual disabilities. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 42 adolescents and young adults with intellectual disabilities (aged 13-30years) who attend special schools in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México. The study included anthropometric (using the International Society for the Advancement of Kineanthropometry recommendations) and biochemical measures, and their combinations as metabolomic-indexes, that can significantly predict MetS occurrence in this vulnerable population. Waist circumference (WC) and relaxed arm circumference, both adjusted for height, have the highest correlation with MetS (R2=0.23-0.47, p<0.01). Besides body mass index (BMI) and WC we propose other indicators such as, skinfolds, hip circumference and relaxed arm circumference, all of them adjusted by height in order to better define the presence of MetS in persons with intellectual disabilities.

Comparison of anthropometric-based equations for estimation of body fat percentage in a normal-weight and overweight female cohort: validation via air-displacement plethysmography

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the accuracy of the most commonly used anthropometric-based equations in the estimation of percentage body fat (%BF) in both normal-weight and overweight women using air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) as the criterion measure.

DESIGN

A comparative study in which the equations of Durnin and Womersley (1974; DW) and Jackson, Pollock and Ward (1980) at three, four and seven sites (JPW₃, JPW₄ and JPW₇) were validated against ADP in three groups. Group 1 included all participants, group 2 included participants with a BMI <25·0 kg/m² and group 3 included participants with a BMI ≥25·0 kg/m².

SETTING

Human Performance Laboratory, Institute for Sport and Health, University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland.

SUBJECTS

Forty-three female participants aged between 18 and 55 years.

RESULTS

In all three groups, the %BF values estimated from the DW equation were closer to the criterion measure (i.e. ADP) than those estimated from the other equations. Of the three JPW equations, JPW₃ provided the most accurate estimation of %BF when compared with ADP in all three groups.

CONCLUSION

In comparison to ADP, these findings suggest that the DW equation is the most accurate anthropometric method for the estimation of %BF in both normal-weight and overweight females.