[The optimal cut-off values of body fat percentage in adults among Chinese three provinces].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal cut-off values of body fat percentage(BF%)in Chinese adults.

METHODS: A total of 1022 adults aged 18-69 years in Liaoning, Henan and Hunan Province was enrolled in this study. Analyzed the changes of BF%in different percentiles of body mass index(BMI), waist circumference(WC), waist-to-height ratio(WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio(WHR). BF%cut-off values were determined by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.

RESULTS: In Chinese adults, the average of BF%was 22. 1%in males and 33. 2%in females. The obesity prevalence determined by BF%cut-off points(recommended by WHO)was 31. 4%in men and 39. 3%in women. Taking hypertension as a dependent variable, ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal BF%cut-off value was 23. 2%(sensitivity:0. 61, specificity:0. 61)in men and 36. 4%(sensitivity:0. 48, specificity:0. 76)in women.

CONCLUSION: In China, the optimal cut-off value of BF%in adult men is lower than the international standard, whereas the optimal cut-off value of BF%in adult women is higher than the international standard. It is of higher significance to make optimal BF%cut-off values for our own country.