University of Roma La Sapienza
This study aims to develop and cross-validate novel bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) equations for predicting appendicular soft tissue masses, specifically fat mass (FM) and appendicular lean mass (ALM), in a sample of Caucasian adult subjects affected by obesity. The research will compare these new BIA equations with three established BIA-derived prediction models and validate them using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. This study utilizes existing datasets to enhance the accuracy and applicability of BIA in assessing body composition and supports the development of standardized algorithms for converting raw BIA data across different devices and populations.
Assessing body composition in persons with obesity, and in particular, the excess of fat mass and the possible reduction of muscle mass, is important to define the phenotypic manifestation of obesity (estimating the risk of dysmetabolic, cardiovascular, and functional complications), and to determine a better treatment approach. Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a mature technology for assessing body composition with major advances in the technology over the past three decades. DXA is a validated tool to investigate body composition phenotypes, as it reliably assesses whole-body and regional…
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) * Age 18 years and older * Available baseline DXA and BIA measurements * Provided informed consent for data use Exclusion Criteria: * any chronic disease or medication that can significantly affect body composition \[eg. malignant diseases in the last 5 years, organ failure, acute inflammation (C-reactive protein\>10 mg/L) autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases, syndromic obesity\] * cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination \<25) * subjects that are considered physically active (athletes or very active subjects i.e.,…