Prediction of Percent Body Fat for U.S. Navy Women from Body Circumferences and Height

摘要

In October 1981, OPNAVINST 6110.1B was promulgated establishing the percentage of body weight contributed by fat mass (%BF) as the basis for weight control decisions. Tables based upon the work of Wright, et al. allowing prediction of %BF from neck, biceps, forearm, abdomen and thigh circumferences were accepted for use on an interim basis. This report covers validation of the equation of Wright and his co-workers, as well as development and cross-validation of a new equation which offers improved prediction of %BF for U.S. Navy female personnel. Anthropometric measures consisting of 8 skinfold thicknesses, 11 body circumferences, height, and body weight were made of 214 female U.S. Navy personnel aged 18-44 years (mean age - 26.5 years). In addition, each participant had her body density and %BF determined by underwater weighing. Validity of the Wright equation was assessed by correlation between predicted and measured %BF. The correlation coefficient - 0.80 (std. err. meas. = 4.19 %BF). Errors in prediction near the Navy minimum standard of 30% BF, dictated development of a new equation. Factor analysis of the anthropometric variables indicated a suitable equation could be developed using circumferences and height as predictors. An equation was developed using forward, stepwise multiple regression of logarithmic transforms of circumferences and height as predictors of body density determined from underwater weighing. The final equation was: Body Density = -0.350 x log (ABDOMEN I + HIP - NECK) + 0.221 X log (HEIGHT) + 1.296. All measurements are expressed in centimeters. The multiple correlation coefficient for this equation was 0.85.