Body Adiposity Index Utilization in a Spanish Mediterranean Population: Comparison with the Body Mass Index

BACKGROUND: Body fat content and fat distribution or adiposity are indicators of health risk. Several techniques have been developed and used for assessing and/or determining body fat or adiposity. Recently, the Body Adiposity Index (BAI), which is based on the measurements of hip circumference and height, has been suggested as a new index of adiposity. The aim of the study was to compare BAI and BMI measurements in a Caucasian population from a European Mediterranean area and to assess the usefulness of the BAI in men and women separately. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a Caucasian population. All participants in the study (1,726 women and 1,474 men, mean age 39.2 years, SD 10.8) were from Mallorca (Spain). Anthropometric data, including percentage of body fat mass obtained by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, were determined. Body Mass Index (BMI) and BAI were calculated. BAI and BMI showed a good correlation (r = 0.64, p<0.001). A strong correlation was also found between BAI and the % fat determined using BIA (r = 0.74, p<0.001), which is even stronger than the one between BMI and % fat (r = 0.54, p<0.001). However, the ROC curve analysis showed a higher accuracy for BMI than for the BAI regarding the discriminatory capacity. CONCLUSION: The BAI could be a good tool to measure adiposity due, at least in part, to the advantages over other more complex mechanical or electrical systems. Probably, the most important advantage of BAI over BMI is that weight is not needed. However, in general it seems that the BAI does not overcome the limitations of BMI

% Body fat (from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)) vs. body adiposity index (BAI) for males. Figure 1b. % Body fat (from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)) vs. body adiposity index (BAI) for females.

<p>% Body fat (from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)) vs. body adiposity index (BAI) for males. Figure 1b. % Body fat (from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)) vs. body adiposity index (BAI) for females.</p

Correlation matrix between BAI, BMI, % Fat from BIA, hip and waist circumferences, height, and weight in men.

1<p>% Fat determined by the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). WC: waist circumference.</p><p>The level of significance was ^*p <0.05, ^**p <0.01, ^***p <0.001.</p

ROC curve analysis for BAI in men. Figure 2b. ROC curve analysis for BAI in women.

<p>ROC curve analysis for BAI in men. Figure 2b. ROC curve analysis for BAI in women.</p

ROC curve analysis for BMI in men. Figure 3b. ROC curve analysis for BMI in women.

<p>ROC curve analysis for BMI in men. Figure 3b. ROC curve analysis for BMI in women.</p

Correlation matrix between BAI, BMI, % Fat from BIA, hip and waist circumferences, height, and weight in women.

1<p>% Fat determined by the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). WC: waist circumference.</p><p>The level of significance was ^*p <0.05, ^**p <0.01, ^***p <0.001.</p

Anthropometric characteristics of participants in the study.

<p>Anthropometric characteristics of participants in the study.</p

ROC curve analysis for anthropometric measures a metabolic syndrome (IDF criteria).

<p>ROC curve analysis for anthropometric measures a metabolic syndrome (IDF criteria).</p

Distribution (%) of women in BMI and BAI categories.

<p>Distribution (%) of women in BMI and BAI categories.</p

Anthropometric characteristics, biochemical circulating parameters and Cardiovascular Risk (CVR) of participants in the study (n = 50,254).

<p>BMI, body mass index; BAI, body adiposity index; WHR, waist-to-hip ratio; WHtR, waist-to-height ratio; HDL-C, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol; LDL-C, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol; Systolic BP, systolic blood pressure; Diastolic BP, diastolic blood pressure; CVR REGICOR, cardiovascular risk REGICOR; CVR Framingham, cardiovascular risk Framingham; MS ATPIII, metabolic syndrome adult treatment panel III; MS IDF, metabolic syndrome international diabetes federation.</p>1<p>Data are expressed as means ± SD.</p>2<p>Statistical significance was estimated by independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test or χ².</p