Is anthropometry useful in estimating body composition in preschool children?

Abstract

Anthropometric equations were developed to predict the total body water content and body fat of 106 Chilean preschool children, using the deuterium dilution method as a reference. Predictive models were analysed using multiple regression. Theagreement between anthropometric and deuterium dilution methods was assessed using the Bland and Altman method. Models for total body water (L) and fat (kg) had high R2 values of 0.7 and 0.64 while the model for the porcentage of fat was lower, 0.42. Concordance analysis revealed that the average difference between the two methods was very low from a biological viewpoint; 0.008 L, 1.09 kg and -0.06%. However the standard deviations were 0.85 L, 1.09 kg and 5.9% respectively, considerably too wide for an individual evaluation. It is proposed to use these equations in assessing the average body composition of a population of 3-5 year olds.