comparison and consistency of body fat estimation in children using three doubly indirect methods

Introduction: The incidence of obesity has increased in children and adolescents, and this has become an obvious concern for public health. Objective: The aim of this study is to compare and verify the consistency of three indirect methods used for estimating body fat in children and adolescents. Materials and methods: Sample consisting of 90 children of both genders —33 (males) and 57 (females)—, and mean age of 9.45±0.72 years. To estimate body fat, three doubly indirect methods were applied: 1) bioelectrical impedance analysis method (BIA); 2) Skinfold methods (SM), and 3) body adiposity index method (BAI). Shapiro Wilk test was used for statistical analysis in order to verify sample distribution. The repeated measures ANOVA test with Bonferroni’s Post Hock was used for comparing the methods among the groups. The Bland-Altman plot and analysis was used to verify the consistency between the methods regarding the studied variables. Results: The results suggest that there was consistency and a positive correlation between the methods studied. Conclusion: The methods were reliable regarding the performed analysis; however, BIA underestimated body fat, when compared to other methods.