Title of article:

Use of the Leg-To-Leg Bioelectrical Impedance Method in Assessing Body Composition Change in Obese Women

Authors: Utter AC, Nieman DC, Ward AN, Butterworth DE.
Journal: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1999; 69:603-607.

Abstract

Objective: This study had two objectives: to determine the validity of the leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance (BIA) system in 1) estimating body composition in obese and non-obese women cross-sectionally, and 2) assessing changes in body composition in obese females in response to 12 weeks of energy restriction and/or exercise training.
Design: Subjects included 98 moderately obese females (43.2±0.6% fat, 45.0±1.1 years) and 27 non-obese controls (24.0±1.5% fat, 43.5±2.5 years). Obese subjects were randomly divided into one of four groups, with fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM) and percent body fat estimated pre- and post-12 weeks intervention from BIA and underwater weighing. The four groups were diet only (D) (4.19-5.44 MJ/day), exercise only (E) (five 45-min. sessions/week at 78.5±0.5% maximum heart rate), both exercise and diet (ED) and controls (C) (no diet or exercise).
Results: No difference was found between underwater weighing and BIA in estimating the FFM of obese and non-obese females (all subjects combined, r=0.78, P<0.001, SEE=3.7kg), or in estimating decreases in FM during 12 weeks of energy restriction and/or exercise among obese subjects [F(3.85)=1.45, P=0.233].
Conclusion: The leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance system accurately assessed FFM in both obese and non-obese females, and changes in FM through diet alone or when combined with exercise.

Comments and Key points

Underwater weighing, and Bio-electrical impedance methods, using a Tanita body fat scale, had equivalent results, with no significant difference, even in obese women with body fat percentages in the 43% range.

 

References

  1. http://www.tanita.com/professional/abstracts/abstract_main.html

Review & comments by Steven B. Halls, MD, Last edited 26-May-2008 Copyright.

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