Development of height-weight based equation for assessment of body composition in Sri Lankan children.

Objective: To develop a height and weight based equation to estimate total body water (TBW) in Sri Lankan children.

Methods: Cross sectional descriptive study done involving 5-15 year old healthy children. Height and weight were measured. TBW was assessed using isotope dilution method (D(2)O) and fat free mass (FFM) calculated. Multiple regression analysis was used to develop prediction equation and validated using PRESS statistical technique. Height, weight and sex code (male=1; female=0) were used as prediction variables.

Results: This study provides height and weight equation for the prediction of TBW in Sri Lankan children. To the best of our knowledge there are no published height weight prediction equations validated on South Asian populations.

Conclusion: Results of this study need to be affirmed by more studies on other closely related populations by using multicomponent body composition.