Body composition significantly influences physical fitness levels, particularly among professional soldiers. However, precise measurements can be costly and time-consuming. As a result, predictive equations for estimating body fat percentage (BFP) based on anthropometric measurements, commonly used in healthy individuals and athletes, have been increasingly applied to soldiers. These predictive equations, however, have not been sufficiently validated in the population of male and female soldiers.
The aim of this master’s thesis was to develop and evaluate the reliability of a predictive equation for calculating BFP from waist circumference (WC) and to determine the proportion of overweight individuals using various criteria such as body mass index (BMI), WC, and the ratio of WC to height (WtHr), and to compare these indicators.
In the thesis, a cross-sectional study was conducted on a representative sample of members of the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF). Each participant completed a health questionnaire and underwent measurements of height, weight, and WC. Additionally, BFP was measured using a bioimpedance device.
The study included 235 members of the SAF (3.7 % of all SAF soldiers), of which 173 (74 %) were male and 62 (26 %) were female. The soldiers were aged 40 (9) years on average, with a military service duration of 16 (8) years. Male soldiers were taller, heavier, and had higher WC, WtHr, and BMI, but lower BFP than female soldiers (all p < 0.001). Among male soldiers, the proportion classified as obese was higher based on BMI (+12.38 %, p < 0.001) but lower based on WC (-21.30 %, p = 0.005) compared to female soldiers. Gender, age, height and weight explained 85 % of BFP variance. Longer military service and age independently increased the likelihood of obesity as assessed by BMI, WC, and WtHr.
The regression equation estimating BFP from gender, age, height, and weight proved reliable and accurate. It can therefore serve as an alternative to the less accessible and more expensive bioimpedance measurement for routine assessments of body composition among Slovenian soldiers.
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