Comparison between body mass index and percentage of body fat as measured by bioelectrical impedance in Egyptians

Abstract

Background During the past decade, the number of Egyptians showing overweight and obesity as measured in terms of BMI (kg/m2) has been documented through different surveys. This increase in adiposity has been associated with metabolic syndromes in Egyptians and with higher fasting insulin concentrations. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between BMI and percentage body fat (PBF) in Egyptians and to determine whether this relationship differs between men and women. MethodsWe conducted a cohort study including 152 healthy participants; body fat composition was calculated using the BMI equation and bioelectrical impedance (BEI). Results The predicted PBF values based on BMI values between 15 and 50 for women and 18 and 50 for men were analysed, which showed that the trend of predicted PBF values differs in accordance with BMI:at BMI at least 30, men tended to have higher PBF compared with women;at BMI at least 35, women tended to have higher PBF compared with men. Conclusion The present study has investigated the relationship between PBF and BMI in Egyptians. The Results show a significant difference in PBF on the basis of BMI and sex. There are some potential explanations for this difference, including sedentary lifestyles and possible genetic makeup. Similar observations with regard to the mediation of BMI on PBF according to sex have been reported previously. It is important to emphasize that the PBF values obtained in this study using BMI are estimates determined on the basis of the samples and that significant differences were found only among women.

Keywords

• bioelectrical impedance, body mass index, Egyptians, percentage of body fat