Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) provides accurate measurements of percent body fat (%BF) and lean body mass (LBM), however no reference standards currently exist using DXA-derived data. This study’s purpose was to develop reference data sets for DXA-derived %BF and LBM, and to characterize the agreement of obesity classifications between BMI (≥30 kg/m2) and %BF (≥25% for men and ≥30% for women). 2,761 subjects were scanned from 2003-2013 using either the GE Medical Systems Lunar Prodigy or Lunar iDXA. Normative reference tables displaying mean values and select percentiles were created for %BF and LBM across defined age groups for both genders. Mean %BF and LBM closely reflected data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey across age groups in both genders. Agreements between BMI and %BF were 97% when identified as obese and 33% when identified as non-obese. Future research should consider creating a national registry for DXA-derived measurements. / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science

The determination of adiposity in adolescents is often assessed with calculations of body mass indices (BMI). Researchers often obtain these measurements from self-reported (SR) values. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of SR height, weight, and calculated BMI (from height and weight). SR and actual measured (ME) BMI values were compared with standards from the FITNESSGRAM® Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) classifications. SR height and calculated BMI were found to be accurate while SR weight was, on average, underreported by 4.77 lbs. Because of these errors in SR height and weight, accuracy of classification into the FITNESSGRAM® HFZ was compromised. Consequently, it is important that researchers ascertain actual values of height and weight when measuring adolescents rather than use those from self-reports.