Bioelectrical impedance analysis or basic anthropometrical parameters for evaluating weight loss success?

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity present risk for development of metabolic diseases. Reduction of the amount of excess fat with conservation of lean body mass is desirable in the course of reduction regime. It is possible to use the method of body impedance measurement for assessing the changes in body composition. Method: The method of body impedance measurement - Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis - BIA was used for assessing the changes in body composition. Results: A statistically significant body weight decrease was registered in Group A. Simultaneously, neither a significant decrease in total body fat and abdominal fat no decrease in waist circumference was registered. A significant decrease in total body fat and abdominal fat and decrease in waist circumference was registered in Group B, but there was not any significant decrease in lean body mass. Conclusions: The research has proved the importance of targeted reducing diet while simultaneously applying aerobic exercise regime. This method leads to desirable changes in body composition, what can be proved by the BIA method. © 2013 Versita Warsaw and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.