Search

Girth measurements provide a simple method for estimation of total body fat that can be used over a wide range of percentage body fat (%BF). Well-established equations for determining %BF from girth measurements were applied to 42 Caucasian and 40 Polynesian women. %BF was determined from total body water measurement using oxygen-18 dilution. The relationship between the criterion measurement of %BF and that calculated from girth measurements differed significantly between the two ethnic groups. Assessment of body fat using girth measurements should use ethnicity-specific equations.

The prediction of total body fat from simple anthropometric measurements was examined in 42 white (New Zealand European and 40 Polynesian women aged 18-27 y. Percentage body fat (%BF) was determined from measurements of total body water (TBW) by 18O dilution. Mean (+/- SD) body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) averaged 29.2 +/- 7.9 (range: 16.5-48.0) for the New Zealand European group and 31.2 +/- 7.9 (range: 19.8-51.8) for the Polynesian group, %BF calculated from TBW was similar in the two groups (40.5 +/- 9.9% for the New Zealand European compared with 39.1 +/- 7.5% for the Polynesian group). BMI was significantly correlated with height in the Polynesian group but not in the New Zealand European group. The relation between BMI and %BF was curvilinear for both groups. At a fixed %BF, BMI was higher in the Polynesian group than in the New Zealand European group. A BMI of 30 for the New Zealand European group corresponded to a BMI of 34 for the Polynesian group at an equivalent %BF (42%). Prediction equations for %BF developed from skinfold thicknesses or girth measurements were ethnicity dependent. We conclude that the BMI criterion for obesity in whites requires revision for use in Polynesians.