[A study on body fat in children aged 7-12].

Three and sixty healthy children aged 7-12 with normal development and better-nourishment were selected by stratification according to their height and weight. Body density was measured with hydrostatic weighing technique. Body fat proportion was calculated with Brozek formula. Skinfolds of the four parts of the body (triceps, subscapular, etc.) were measured by Harpenden skinfolds caliper. Results showed body fat proportion in children aged 7-12 averaged 15.12% for male and 17.15% for female, with no significant difference. Body fat proportion was analyzed by stepwise regression on height, weight, skinfolds, and upper arm circumstance. Body fat proportion highly correlated to skinfolds with an r = 0.6664 and P < 0.01. A regression equation of body fat on skinfolds was developed, and laws for the development and changes of body fat discussed in the paper.