Body composition references, sarcopenia cutoffs, and prevalence in youth using bioelectrical impedance analysis
Authors' conclusion
This study established BIA-based body composition reference values for youth using nationally representative data, identified age- and sex-specific sarcopenia cutoff points and prevalence estimates, and highlighted age- and sex-specific differences. These findings provide a valuable resource for the early identification and management of sarcopenia in youth.
Study context
- Population
- Youth aged 10–25 years who underwent bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), nationwide survey
- Participants
- 1,451 participants
- Exposure
- Males vs Females
- Outcome
- BIA body composition reference values (age-specific percentiles, least mean squares method); sarcopenia cutoffs and prevalence defined by SMI, FFM-MFR and appendicular skeletal muscle mass-to-fat ratio (ASM-MFR) with age- and sex-specific cutoffs
Methodological detailsnationwide survey, nationally representative data
- Nationwide survey
- Nationally representative data
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Prevalence of sarcopenia
By SMI
By FFM-MFR
By ASM-MFR
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Muscle-related parameters (fat-free mass, fat-free mass index, ASM, SMI)
- Increased during puberty in both sexes, more pronounced in males, followed by a plateau or gradual increase after adolescence
Fat-related parameters (fat mass, fat mass index, % body fat)
- Males: decreased until age 14 years, then increased; females: increased until adolescence, declined after early adulthood
Original publication
Body composition references, sarcopenia cutoffs, and prevalence in youth using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 8 January 2026. doi:10.
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