Additional Elements to the Study, “Body Composition Analysis Using Karadascan in the Indian Collegiate population: An Observational Study”

Dear Editor, We would like to take this opportunity to express our views on the article titled, “Body Composition Analysis Using Karadascan in Indian Collegiate Population: An Observational Study,” published in your esteemed journal.[1] The authors have systematically reported observations on the measurement of body composition in adults using the bioelectrical impedance technique (Karadascan). Body composition measurements not only indicate systemic nutritional status and health status but also provide valuable information for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, including noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), where obesity is a significant risk factor. We highlight a few additional components that could have been considered when measuring body composition using the Karadascan. The Karadascan is based on the principle of the bioelectrical analysis technique (BIA) for determining the amount of total body water (TBW) by calculating the resistance to the flow of current when it flows through the body tissue. Body fat (BF) is determined by calculating the difference between body weight and fat-free body mass (measured as TBW). Though the Karadascan is an easy, quick, safe, and convenient method to evaluate body composition, it has some of the reported limiting factors (fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, dehydration, meal and exercise timings), leading to the over- or underestimation of BF.[2,3] Additionally, the study included both male and female participants. The distribution of BF, regardless of total BF, can indicate which health risks you are susceptible to. Obesity of the male (android) type shows a dominant visceral and upper thoracic distribution of adipose tissue, whereas in the feminine (gynoid) type, adipose tissue is found predominantly in the lower part of the body (hips and thighs).[4] In adults, skinfold thickness, a traditional method, has been shown to be as accurate as other techniques for measuring absolute fat mass and fat-free mass (FFM), as well as for tracking changes in fat mass and FFM, even in populations with highly variable FFM composition.[5] In conclusion, while the Karadascan method offers a convenient and noninvasive means to assess body composition, it is essential to recognize its limitations and consider additional factors that might influence accuracy. We also advocate for the integration of complementary methods, such as skinfold thickness measurements, to enhance the overall accuracy of body composition analysis. By acknowledging these considerations, future research and clinical practice can improve the assessment and management of health risks associated with body composition, ultimately contributing to more effective interventions for obesity and related NCDs. Data availability Nil. Author contribution The first draft was written by Ms. Madhura Deshmukh, which was further modified by Prof. Mahesh Karandikar and Prof. Madhuvanti Karandikar. The updated draft was reviewed by Dr. Abhijeet Tilak, and all authors have finalized the final manuscript. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.