Validation of Some Anthropometric Equations for Estimating Body Density in Nigerian Women

Abstract

The study validated some of the equations that are been used for estimation of percent body fat for Nigerian women. Sample of convenience was used to select seventy five female undergraduates of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife Nigeria with mean age of 22.92 +3.02 years. Participants weight was measured under water using Hydrostatic weighing equipment. Skinfold was measured at chest, mid axilla, triceps, sub scapular, abdomen, supra iliac, mid thigh, and biceps. Body density (BD) was calculated using underwater weight and anthropometric equations from Behnke and Wilmore, Durning and Wormsley, Jackson et al, Parizkova, Pollock et al, Sloan et al, and Jackson and Pollock. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result showed that BD from equation of Pollock et al, Jackson et al, Sloan, and Jackson and Pollock, were not significantly different from BD from underwater weighing ( p < .001). Body density by underwater weighing was also found to have negative significant relationship with Body mass index (r = -.760), waist circumference (r = -.402) and hip circumference ( r =-.472). It could be concluded that the equations by these authors Pollock et al, Jackson et al, Sloan, and Jackson and Pollock were valid for estimating BD and percent body fat of Nigerian women.

Key Words: Body Density, Underwater weighing, Skinfold, waist circumference, hip circumference, Body mass index