Estimation of Segmental and Total Body Fat in Healthy Adults: Comparison of Bio-electric Impedance Analysis and Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry

ABSTRACT

Objective: Bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) are two commonly used techniques, but each has its own pros and cons. To assess the accuracy of BIA in comparison with DEXA in the assessment of total and segmental fat mass and fat percentage. Material and

Methods: Fifty-four healthy adults (24 men and 30 women) participated in this study. The total fat mass, extremity fat mass, and trunk fat mass with the respective percentages were assessed by both DEXA and BIA techniques.

Results: BIA technique significantly underestimated total and segmental fat masses and percentages (p<0.0001) in comparison with DEXA. The average differences were as follows: total fat mass, 5.76±1.04 kg; total fat mass percentage, 10.56±1.43; extremity fat mass, 3.28±0.54 kg; extremity fat mass percentage, 10.72±1.85; trunk fat mass, 3.04±0.62 kg; and trunk fat mass percentage, 9.83±1.24. The highest correlation between BIA and DEXA was in the estimation of total fat mass percentage (0.93) and the lowest was in the estimation of extremity fat mass (0.72).

Conclusion: BIA underestimates fat composition, thus the difference should be considered during the evaluation of a client.