Body composition and fat-free and fat body mass indices in Kabardian and Balkars youth

Abstract

Introduction. In anthropological studies, the fat-free mass index (FFMI) and body fat mass index (BFMI), normalized by height, are increasingly used to assess body composition, which makes it possible to take into account population, gender and age characteristics of the distribution of body components. These indexed measures provide a more accurate representation of body composition compared to the traditional body mass index (BMI), especially in cross-population comparisons. The aim of this study is to determine the degree of sexual dimorphism in morphological characteristics in Kabardians and Balkars and the reference values for FFMI and BFMI in a sample of university students with low, normal, overweight, and obesity, classified according to BMI.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted among students in Nalchik (Kabardino-Balkaria) in 2023. The sample consists of 318 people (136 men and 182 women) and includes representatives of two ethnic groups: Kabardians and Balkars. The age range is from 17 to 23 years; the average age is 18.76±1.47 years; 87.4% of respondents are aged 17 to 20 years. Morphological parameters were measured, body composition (using BIA Tanita BC-601) was assessed, and body composition indices were calculated.

Results. The revealed sexual dimorphism indicates fundamental biological differences between the sexes, which manifest themselves at the level of morphology and body composition. A regression analysis conducted on a sample of Kabardians and Balkars showed that the relationship between BMI and FFMI, BFMI, and %FM varies depending on gender and ethnicity. The most stable and predictable patterns were found in women, especially Balkars, which indicates a more homogeneous body structure in this subgroup. At the same time, men showed more pronounced individual differences. The reference values of the indices of fat-free mass, fat mass and percentage of fat mass in Kabardians and Balkars with fixed body mass index values were calculated.

Discussion. The data obtained confirm the informative value of the indexed body composition indicators (FFMI and BFMI) for the analysis of gender and population differences in the physique of students. The use of component indexes improves the accuracy of somatic status assessment and forms the basis for the development of reference standards in anthropological and clinical research.

Funding. The study has been supported by the Russian Science Foundation (RSF), project No. 23-18-0027.

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