Electrical resistivity of the upper arm and leg yields good estimates of whole body fat

Abstract

Single frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis is an inexpensive, quick and painless means of estimating body composition. However, current approaches to estimating body composition from segment resistivity have some drawbacks. The purpose of this study was to overcome these limitations by developing a better model of the relationship between resistivity and body composition. A three-compartment model of body mass and body segment resistivity is presented and calibrated to predict %Fat estimated by underwater weighing. The subject population from which the data were obtained was heterogeneous. Both sexes were represented, as were a range of ages (21-44 years), ethnic backgrounds, body masses (47.0-129.0 kg) and body compositions (%Fat = 8.7-50.7%). Based on resistivity measurements from the upper arm and upper leg, and measurements of subject height and weight, the model predicted %Fat with errors comparable to those reported for other methods based on segmental resistivity. All the terms in the calibrated model represented a physical component of the body and show reasonable agreement with resistivity measured in tissue samples. In short, predicting %Fat from resistivity of the proximal arm and leg segments compares favourably with other methods based on segment resistivity.