Distribution of subcutaneous fat and equations for predicting percent body fat from skinfold measurements: A comparison between Chinese females from two age cohorts

The need to apply different regression equations in predicting percent body fat was investigated with 40 Chinese females between 20-30 years and 40-50 years in Beijing in 1993-94. Skinfolds from 10 sites at subscapular, midaxillary, pectoral, abdominal, suprailiac, thigh, triceps, medial calf, suprapatellar, and forearm were measured with a Lange caliper. The criterion test was performed with hydrostatic weighing and the Siri equation was used to calculate percent body fat. It was found that there were significant differences in the distribution of subcutaneous fat between younger and older Chinese females, with the major differences in the abdominal and subscapular skinfolds. It also appeared that the 20-30 years cohort had a more evenly distributed subcutaneous fat that the 40-50 years cohort. A general prediction equation for percent body fat with skinfolds of the forearm, pectora, subscapular, and triceps was formulated with an R of 0.95 and SEE of 2.14. Separate equations were developed for the two age cohorts. These were found to be more accurate than the general equation. The present study indicated that subcutaneous fat distribution varied with age in the female and further study in this area would be needed to better understand the relationship between fat distribution patterns, metabolic risks, and cardiovascular disease.