Fat-free mass and fat mass reference values by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in a 20-80 year-old Italian population.

Background & Aims: To establish reference values for fat-free mass (FFM), the FFM index (FFMI), fat mass (FM) and the FM index (FMI) in an Italian adult population, developing percentile distribution curves for age brackets between 20 and 80 years.

Methods: A multicenter, retrospective study was conducted on a sample of 1866 healthy Italian adults, 1435 females and 431 males. FFM and FM were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.