A study has established reference values for body composition in children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years, using segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). This non-invasive and low-cost technique measures the resistance to an electrical current passing through the body to estimate fat mass, fat-free mass, and muscle mass. The research provides age- and sex-specific percentile curves, allowing for a more precise assessment of physical growth and development in this population.

Traditionally, body composition assessment in young people has relied on methods like dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which are more expensive and require radiation exposure. Segmental BIA offers a practical alternative for clinical and epidemiological monitoring, especially in settings where more sophisticated methods are not accessible. The new reference values are crucial for identifying developmental deviations, such as obesity or malnutrition, at an early stage.

The study also addresses the limitations of BIA in the obese population, where atypical fat distribution and changes in hydration can affect measurement accuracy. Despite these limitations, the availability of specific normative data for segmental BIA significantly enhances its clinical utility. This facilitates the monitoring of the effectiveness of nutritional and exercise interventions in children and adolescents, contributing to better public health.

These new data will serve as a valuable tool for pediatricians, nutritionists, and epidemiologists, enabling standardized and comparable body composition assessment. They are expected to promote earlier detection of weight and body composition-related issues, potentially leading to more timely and effective interventions to improve the long-term health of young people.