INTRODUCTION:
The estimation of body composition is an important study field in the prognosis and diagnosis of degenerative diseases.
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the applicability of the Body Adiposity Index (BAI) and the skinfold thickness method.
METHODS:
The sample consisted of 19 young adult women with a mean age 24.53 ± 2.65 years, who underwent anthropometric measurements (circumferences and skinfold thickness) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The estimated values were compared to the reference value by using the paired t test and by analysis of the level of association between the methods through the Pearson correlation. The level of significance was p<0.05.
RESULTS:
Showed no significant differences between the fat percentage estimated by the BAI and the reference values, however had moderate level of association (r=0.627). Nevertheless, the skinfold thickness method showed statistically significant difference (p>0.05) with a strong association level (r = 0.879).
CONCLUSION:
Although the BAI does not show difference to the estimated values, it is clear that further studies on the applicability of the method in the Brazilian population are necessary.
body composition; women; skinfolds thickness
