Comparison of Body Mass Index and Bioelectric Impedance Analysis Methods in the Evaluation of Body Composition and Obesity in Women

Objective:Body mass index (BMI) is often used to diagnose obesity, although it has the disadvantage of not being able to reveal body fat content. Our study aimed (1) to evaluate the obesity status using BMI and body fat percentage (BFBIA%) determined by bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) method among women aged 20-60 years who were admitted the outpatient nutrition clinic, and (2) to evaluate the relationship between BMI and BFBIA%.Method:This study enrolled 100 women aged 20-60 years. It was a descriptive study. The study data and the BFBIA% values were obtained from outpatient BMI data recorded between October 2020 and November 2020. BMI was calculated using body weight (kg) and body height (m2). The prevalence of obesity was determined using BMI and BFBIA%. Statistical analyses were performed using the Pearson’s correlation test and One-Way analysis of variance.Results:Prevalence of obesity, based on BMI and BFBIA%, was 53% and 46%, respectively and no significant difference was determined (p=0.322). Subjects determined to be obese based on the BMI had a mean BFBIA% of 40±18%. The subjects determined to be obese, overweight and normal based on the BMI had a mean BFBIA% of 40.4±5.3, 34.4±4.1, and 23.2±6.2, respectively (p<0.001).Conclusion:The obesity rates determined by BMI and BFBIA% were similar. Since both BMI and BFBIA% have different disadvantages, their combined use may yield better results in obesity screening in outpatients.