Relationship between Body Mass Index and Skin Fold Thickness in Young Females

Background: Anthropometric indicators are used to evaluate the prognosis of chronic and acute diseases, and to guide medical intervention. In anthropometry, body mass index (BMI) is widely accepted in determining obesity and skin fold thickness measurements provide good estimates of body fat.

Aim: To see the relationship between BMI and skin fold thickness in young females.

Study Design: Observational study

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study. Measurements of height, weight, BMI and skin fold thickness were obtained for young adult females. Triceps, suprailiac and abdomen skin fold thickness were measured by using a skin fold calliper. For skin fold thickness, all measurements were taken three times and an average value was recorded.

Results: Total 251 participants took part in the study. The mean skin fold thickness in the triceps was 22±6.02 mm, abdominal was 24.41±5.84 mm, and suprailiac was 21.23±5.74 mm. There was a significant correlation seen between BMI and triceps SFT (ρ=0.816,P=0.000), BMI and Abdominal SFT (ρ=0.854,P=0.000) and BMI and suprailiac SFT (ρ=0.850,P=0.000). There was a significant association between BMI and physical activities (P=0.000).

Conclusion: There was a significant correlation seen between BMI and SFT at triceps, abdominal and suprailiac region. There was a significant association between BMI and physical activities.