The Ejike-Ijeh equations for the estimation of body fat percentage
makes it possible for the body fat content of individuals and
populations to be determined without the use of costly equipment.
However, because the equations were derived using data from a
young-adult (18-29 years old) Nigerian population, it is important to
validate the equations in a wider spectrum of adults. This study is an
attempt at such validation. A total of 365 adult Nigerians aged 18 to
80 years (52.9% females) participated in this random cross-sectional
study. Standard internationally accepted protocols were followed for
all determinations and calculations. Appropriate statistical tools were
used to analyse the data generated. The mean age of the subjects was
44\ub116 years. The differences between the mean ages of both sexes
was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Using BMI as a
diagnostic, obesity was found in 12.3% of the population (17.1% in
females and 7.0% in males). On the other hand, using percent fat mass
(PFM), 16.4% (25.4% females and 6.4% males) were found to be obese.
Measured PFM correlated positively and significantly (r=+0.635;
P<0.001) with the PFM-II in the general population. The correlations
were stronger in males (r=+0.736) compared to females (r=+0.563). The
Ejike-Ijeh equations appear valid for use in adult Nigerians