Body Composition Estimatives by Anthropometry, Bioelectrical Impedance and Deuterium Oxide Dilution in Obese Adolescents

To evaluate the relationship between measures of body composition in obese adolescents by the methods of bioelectrical impedance analysis, deuterium oxide dilution and anthropometric measures, proposing an equation. The variables were weight, height, BMI, triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness, waist and arm muscle circumference, lean body mass, fat mass and total body water by bioelectrical impedance and deuterium oxide dilution methods. The study included 40 obese adolescents, 45% male, age distribution was 2.42 ± 1.19 years and females 55%, and the predominant age was 12.61 ± 1.78. Linear regression equations were developed, capable of predicting body composition from information supplied by the method of deuterium oxide dilution (gold standard), bioelectrical impedance and anthropometry. The variables gender, age, height, arm circumference, triceps and suprailiac skin fold thickness, resistance and reactance were used to estimate lean body mass, fat mass and total body water by the method of deuterium and significantly correlated with variables, resistance, reactance, sex and total body water (TBW) by bioimpedance method. Among the equations developed, five were suitable for this sample, therefore, it is suggested that more studies should be done to test the applicability of the equations in other samples so that we can validate the equations encountered in obese adolescents.