Test–Retest Reliability of a Commercially Available Bioelectrical Impedance-Based Body Composition Analyzer in India

A bstract Introduction: Body composition assessment plays a critical role in managing various clinical conditions, including obesity, cancer, renal failure, and endocrine disorders. While dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is considered the gold standard, it is often impractical for routine clinical or field use. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) has emerged as a simpler alternative and is currently recommended in sarcopenia diagnostic guidelines. Although many low-cost BIA devices are commercially available, information regarding their reliability is limited, which restricts their clinical utility. Aim: This study aimed to assess the test–retest reliability of a commercially available BIA device (Omron HBF-702T) under non-standardized conditions that reflect routine clinical settings. Forty healthy adults (mean age: 28 ± 7.5 years; 78% women; body mass index: 26.1 ± 4.4) participated after obtaining appropriate approvals and informed consent. Measurements of skeletal muscle percentage, total body fat percentage, and resting metabolic rate (RMR) were taken on two occasions, 1–4 days apart, without standardizing the timing of assessment or controlling food and fluid intake. Results: No clinically or statistically significant differences were found between the two sessions (mean differences: skeletal muscle percentage: 0.06%; body fat percentage: 0.12%; RMR: 8.5 kcal/day). All parameters demonstrated excellent test–retest reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficients and Cronbach α values as follows: skeletal muscle percentage (0.97 and 0.98), body fat percentage (0.93 and 0.96), and RMR (0.94 and 0.97). Conclusion: In conclusion, the Omron HBF-702T exhibited excellent test–retest reliability for key body composition parameters even in non-standardized settings, supporting its potential use in routine clinical practice.