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Comparison of anthropometry to DXA: a new prediction equation for men

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 58, pages 1525–1531 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective: This study compared three professionally recommended anthropometric body composition prediction equations for men to dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and then developed an updated equation, DXA Criterion (DC) from DXA.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: Exercise Physiology Lab. University of Missouri-Columbia, USA.

Subjects: A total of 160 men aged 18–62 y old.

Interventions: Percent body fat (%BF) by anthropometry was compared to DXA on the same day.

Results: Although %BF was significantly correlated (r=0.923–0.942) (P<0.01) with DXA for all three equations, each equation underestimated %BF (range=3.1–3.3%) (P<0.01) compared to DXA. The following DC equation for men was created: %BF=0.465+0.180(Σ7SF)−0.0002406(Σ7SF)2+0.06619(age); (Σ7SF=sum of chest, midaxillary, triceps, subscapular, abdomen, suprailiac, thigh; age=years). The predicted residual sum of squares (PRESS) R2 was high (0.90) and the PRESS standard error of estimates was excellent (2.2% at the mean) for the DC equation when applied to our sample of 160 men.

Conclusions: The currently recommended anthropometric equations for men underestimate %BF compared to DXA. The DC equation yields a more accurate estimation of %BF in men aged 18–62 y old. The results from this study support the need for the current %BF standards and norms for men to be adjusted upward.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the University of Missouri Research Council. The authors would like to thank Laka Totton and Brianne Giles for their assistance with this project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, USA

    S D Ball

  2. Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Southwest Missouri State University, USA

    T S Altena

  3. Department of Exercise and Wellness, Arizona State University East, USA

    P D Swan

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  1. S D Ball
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Correspondence to S D Ball.

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Ball, S., Altena, T. & Swan, P. Comparison of anthropometry to DXA: a new prediction equation for men. Eur J Clin Nutr 58, 1525–1531 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602003

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