Novel body fat estimation using machine learning and 3-dimensional optical imaging

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2020 May;74(5):842-845. doi: 10.1038/s41430-020-0603-x. Epub 2020 Mar 16.

Abstract

Estimates of body composition have been derived using 3-dimensional optical imaging (3DO), but no equations to date have been calibrated using a 4-component (4C) model criterion. This investigation reports the development of a novel body fat prediction formula using anthropometric data from 3DO imaging and a 4C model. Anthropometric characteristics and body composition of 179 participants were measured via 3DO (Size Stream® SS20) and a 4C model. Machine learning was used to identify significant anthropometric predictors of body fat (BF%), and stepwise/lasso regression analyses were employed to develop new 3DO-derived BF% prediction equations. The combined equation was externally cross-validated using paired 3DO and DXA assessments (n = 158), producing a R2 value of 0.78 and a constant error of (X ± SD) 0.8 ± 4.5%. 3DO BF% estimates demonstrated equivalence with DXA based on equivalence testing with no proportional bias in the Bland-Altman analysis. Machine learning methods may hold potential for enhancing 3DO-derived BF% estimates.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03637855.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue*
  • Adult
  • Body Composition*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional*
  • Machine Learning*
  • Male
  • Optical Imaging / methods*

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03637855