Measures of body composition in blacks and whites: a comparative review

Biological differences exist in the body composition of blacks and whites. We reviewed Literature on the differences and similarities between the 2 ra ces relative to fat-free body mass (water, mineral, and protein), fat patte rning, and body dimensions and proportions. In general, blacks have a great er bone mineral density and body protein content than do whites, resulting in a greater fat-free body density. Additionally, there are racial differen ces in the distribution of subcutaneous fat and the length of the limbs rel ative to the trunk. The possibility that these differences are a result of ethnicity rather than of race is also examined. Because most equations that predict relative body fat were derived from predominantly white samples, b iological variation between the races in these body-composition indexes has practical significance. Systematic error can result in the inaccurate esti mation of the relative body fat of blacks, and therefore of definitions of obesity, if these inherent differences are ignored.