Comparison Of Bioelectrical Impedance And The Other Methods Used For Diagnosis Of Obesity

Year 2003, Volume: 4 Issue: 2, 15 - 18, 01.08.2003

Engin Güney A. Gökhan Özgen Fulden Saraç Candeğer Yılmaz Taylan Kabalak

Abstract

Objective: Several methods are being used for the diagnostic evaluation of obesity. Body mass index (BMI) is the most commonly used method. Various other methods such as waist circumference, waist/hip ratio and skinfold thickness measurements are also of use. Bioelectrical impedance is an easy and non-invasive method that provides a reliable estimate of total body fat and fat free mass. The purpose of this study was to make a comparative evaluation of these various methods. Materials and methods: 140 patients (age: 41.8±11.8 yr) admitted to the hospital for obesity were included in the study. Body mass index, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio and skinfold thickness measurements at biceps, triceps and subscapular regions were evaluated. Body fat ratio and fat mass were measured with bioelectrical impedance. Results: Mean body mass index was 35.5±5.4kg/m2. Sum of skinfold thickness of triceps and subscapular region was found to be increased in 116 patients (82.8%) and normal in 24 patients (17.1%). While the waist/hip ratio was found to be increased in 71 patients (50.7%); in 8 patients (5.7%) were within normal range, 22 patients (15.7%) showed increased risk and 107 patients (76.4%) had high risk according to weist circumference. Body fat ratio with bioelectric impedance was evaluated as normal in 8 patients (5.7%), borderline in 9 patients (6.4%) and high in 123 patients (87.9%). Body fat ratio with bioelectric impedance correlated with body mass index, waist circumference and skinfold thickness (p<0.001),but didnot correlatewithwaist/hip ratio (p>0.05). Conclusion: We conclude that body mass index and bioelectric impedance are important methods in the diagnosis of obesity, and the use of waist circumference in addition to these methods to evaluate the abdominal obesity may also be useful.

Keywords

Obesity, diagnosis

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