Abstract:

Biological impedance analysis was used on 19 indices of 604 individuals (248 males, 356 females) to determine body composition characteristics of the Bulang family from Yunnan province. Bioelectrieal impedance analysis, statistical analysis utilized Excel 2003 and SPSS version 19. The results of this research showed that male body fat distribution characteristics of the trunk and lower limb had a greater fat rate than the upper limb. Female body fat distribution characteristics followed this pattern: lower limb > trunk > upper limb. Male and female bilateral lower extremity fat rate was close to muscle volume with the left upper limb muscle volume low but with a high fat rate. Height, body weight, muscle mass, bone presumption mass, water content rate, visceral fat level of Bulang males were greater than females, while body fat rate and BMI was less than compared to females. With age, the amount of body muscle, bone mass, lower limb fat rate, energy metabolism significantly decreased in the Bulang group, but visceral fat levels significantly increased. Compared with the Han nationality in Yunnan Province, body fat rate of Bulang nationality adults is lessened and with more developed muscles.

Key words: Bulang, Body composition, Fat rate, Muscle mass, BMI