Body composition analysis to determine gender specific physical fitness equations in a cohort of Saudi population

Objective: To determine an association between body composition analysis and physical fitness in the Saudi population and derive gender specific physical fitness equations.

Methods: A total of 530 healthy Saudi adults aged 15-72 years (mean 37.16±14.12 years) were enrolled in this study. Body composition analysis was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), with a commercially available body analyzer according to standard protocols.

Results: Different body composition parameters, such as age, height, BSA (body surface area), obesity degree, body mass index (BMI), body fat mass (BFM) and percent body fat (% BF) contents were significantly different in males and females except weight which was non-significant (p=0.649). There was significant positive or negative correlation among different body composition parameters except weight with age in males and weight with age, height and BSA in females. In males, all the body composition characteristics contributed to the fitness score except BMI and BFM, while in females, the most significant effect was contributed by weight and BFM. Female body composition characteristics were strongly related to fitness score compared to males (R2 = 93.8% vs R2 = 78.5%).

Conclusions: Different body composition parameters like BFM and %BF played an important role in determining physical fitness of healthy male individuals instead of BMI, weight and BSA, while in females weight was the best predictor of physical fitness.