Differences in Fat Mass Estimation Formulas in Physically Active Adult Population and Relation With Skinfold Sums.

The objective of the present study was to analyze the differences between the formulas used to estimate fat mass and to establish the existing relationship with the skinfold sum in anthropometry. A total of 2,458 active subjects participated in the study (mean age: 27.98±7.43 years-old). Basic measurements and skinfolds variables were measured following the guidelines of the International Society for the Advancement in Kinanthropometry (ISAK), and Kerr, Durnin-Womersley, Faulkner and Carter equations were used to assess fat mass. Significative differences were found between all the formulas for the percentage of fat mass and the fat mass in kilograms. The correlations among the skinfolds sums and the different equations were high and significative in all the cases. There were differences between all the formulas used to estimate the fat mass. The six or eight skinfold sums could be a valid and better alternative than the fat mass equations or the BMI to assess the subcutaneous fat mass in physically active adults.