Comparison of Circumference- and Skinfold-Based Body Fat Estimation Equations

摘要

The U. S. Navy employs equations that use height and body circumferences to estimate percent body fat. However, many sailors question the accuracy of the Navy's body fat estimation equations. The Health and Physical Fitness Branch (Pers 601) of the Naval Bureau of Personnel frequently receives requests to substitute a percent body fat obtained with skinfold- or bioimpedance-based body fat estimation equations (Pers 601, personal communication). There may be a perception that skinfold- or bioimpedance-based equations are more accurate than circumference-based equations since the former equations are more commonly used in settings such as health clubs.