Comparison of anthropometric-based equations for estimation of body fat percentage in a normal-weight and overweight female cohort: validation via air-displacement plethysmography

ObjectiveTo evaluate the accuracy of the most commonly used anthropometric-based equations in the estimation of percentage body fat (%BF) in both normal-weight and overweight women using air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) as the criterion measure.DesignA comparative study in which the equations of Durnin and Womersley (1974; DW) and Jackson, Pollock and Ward (1980) at three, four and seven sites (JPW(3), JPW(4) and JPW(7)) were validated against ADP in three groups. Group 1 included all participants, group 2 included participants with a BMI<250 kg/m(2) and group 3 included participants with a BMI250 kg/m(2).SettingHuman Performance Laboratory, Institute for Sport and Health, University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland.SubjectsForty-three female participants aged between 18 and 55 years.ResultsIn all three groups, the %BF values estimated from the DW equation were closer to the criterion measure (i.e. ADP) than those estimated from the other equations. Of the three JPW equations, JPW(3) provided the most accurate estimation of %BF when compared with ADP in all three groups.ConclusionIn comparison to ADP, these findings suggest that the DW equation is the most accurate anthropometric method for the estimation of %BF in both normal-weight and overweight females.