Body Composition Assessment using Impedance Analysis among Employees of a Tertiary Healthcare Institute in Nashik: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Body composition is a critical indicator of metabolic health and disease risk. Modern tools such as bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) offer a convenient, non-invasive assessment in clinical and community settings.

Objective: To assess the body composition of employees at a tertiary healthcare institution in Nashik using BIA and to evaluate the influence of demographic, lifestyle, and occupational factors on body composition parameters.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 53 employees aged ≥18 years. Participants included doctors, residents, interns, and Class 3/4 staff. Sociodemographic data, anthropometric measurements, random blood sugar (RBS), and blood pressure (BP) were recorded. Body composition was assessed using the Tanita Body Composition Analyzer. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, t-tests, and chi-square tests, with p<0.05 considered significant.

Results: Participants were predominantly male (62.3%) and aged 18–30 years (41.5%). Statistically significant sex-based differences were observed in basal metabolic rate (BMR), waist circumference, total body fat percentage, and skeletal muscle mass (p<0.05). Regular exercisers had significantly lower BMI (23.4 ± 3.6) and higher BMR (1490 ± 140 kcal/day) compared to non-exercisers (BMI: 26.1 ± 4.2; BMR: 1370 ± 150 kcal/day). Most participants (66%) consumed a mixed diet, with rice being the staple for 56.6%.

Conclusion: BIA effectively identified body composition disparities across gender and lifestyle habits. Regular physical activity was associated with favorable BMR and BMI outcomes. These findings support workplace wellness programs that encourage physical activity and balanced diets.