Measuring body fatness in children and young adults: comparison of bioelectric impedance analysis, total body electrical conductivity, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Abstract

The lack of interchangeability for fatness classification makes it difficult to ensure that similar groups of subjects can be accurately selected for the same true fat content or % Fat range when different methods are used. Furthermore, this limitation may restrict comparison of findings among different studies, such as in weight reduction, exercise, or therapy programs, when the subjects were not originally classified using the same measurement methods. That is, the reported values and changes for body fat or % Fat appear to be highly method dependent.