Associations between anthropometric markers derived from a body scanner and relative fat-free mass in a population-based study

Abstract Low relative fat free mass (FFM) is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases and mortality, but FFM assessment in clinical routine is time consuming and currently not performed. Our aim was to identify easily accessible anthropometric markers for FFM derived by either bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) or air displacement plethysmography (ADP). We analyzed data of 1,593 individuals (784 women; 49.2%, age range 28 – 88 years) enrolled in the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND 1). Forty-seven anthropometric markers were derived from a body scanner. Anthropometric measurements were associated with FFM by sex-stratified linear regression models adjusted for body height and age. Anthropometric markers were ranked according to the coefficient of determination (R2) derived from these regression models. Circumferences of high hip, belly, middle hip, waist and high waist showed the strongest inverse associations with FFM. These relations were stronger in females than in males. Associations of anthropometric markers with FFM measured by ADP were stronger compared to FFM assessment by BIA. Manually measured waist and hip circumference showed slightly weaker associations with the FFM compared to the automated measurements. The detected anthropometrics could be helpful in assessing FFM in clinical routine.