Development of equations and proposed reference values to estimate body fat mass among Chilean children and adolescents.

INTRODUCTION The assessment of body composition is relevant to establish nutritional status and identify potential health risks. OBJETIVE a) To develop regression equations to predict fat mass (FM) using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry as reference method; b) to propose reference FM values based on chronological and biological age for Chilean children and adolescents. METHODOLOGY Cross-sectional study in children and adolescents aged 5.0 to 18.9 years from the Maule Region (Chile). The sample was made up of 3593 subjects in a probabilistic fashion (stratified). Subjects' weight, standing height, sitting height, and waist circumference were assessed. Body mass index and age at peak development velocity (APGV) were estimated. Body composition (FM, fat-free mass, bone mass, and fat percentage) were established based on a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. RESULTS APGV (biological age) was 14.9 ± 0.9 years among boys and 11.5 ± 0.7 among girls. Equations were developed to estimate FM among boys and girls using chronological age, APGV, and waist circumference as predictors. Percentiles were estimated to assess FM by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and regression equations. CONCLUSION Equations were acceptable to establish FM; in addition, reference values were proposed to assess FM based on chronological and biological age.