BACKGROUND: Body fat is associated with a high incidence of degenerative diseases. Therefore, estimating body fat with the smallest error as possible is primordial. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to verify if the body mass index (BMI) presents consistence in relation to the sum of triceps and calf skinfold (TR + CA) in order to classify girls and boys as above, below and within the recommended standard (reference criterion), considered as adequate for a good health condition. METHODS: The sample was composed by 694 girls and 716 boys with ages ranging from 10.50 to 17.49 years. The variables were measured and analyzed in relation to the reference criterion presented by the AAHPERD (1988). The data were analyzed by the contingency coefficient and kappa index. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results indicated that only 48.98% of girls and 57.32% of boys were concomitantly classified by BMI and TR + CA. The kappa index indicated a very weak agreement between the three classification categories of body fat (above, below and within the recommended standard). In conclusion, the BMI does not present consistence in order to classify girls and boys in relation to body fat.
BMI; Skinfold; Body fat; Reference criterion
