Assessment of the Predictive Potential of Pediatric Relative Fat Mass Compared to Alternative Measures of Obesity for Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Children: Longitudinal Associations During Two-Year Follow-Up.

RFMp was the best two-year predictor of cardiorespiratory fitness in both boys and girls compared to seven alternative obesity indices.

• Predictive models for CRF were constructed over a two-year period separately for each of eight obesity-related indicators.
• Models were prepared for boys and girls separately.
• RFMp demonstrated superior predictive power compared to BMI, body fat percentage (%BF), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), tri-ponderal mass index (TMI), and waist-BMI ratio.
• Multiple regression analysis was used to assess predictive value.

Over 40% of both girls and boys in the study sample had a BMI above the norm.

• The finding applied to both sexes in the study cohort.
• Data were drawn from student measurements collected in the years 2017–2019.
• The sample comprised school-age children followed over a two-year period.

The study used a longitudinal design based on previously collected data spanning 2017–2019 with a two-year follow-up period.

• Data comprised student measurements collected previously in the years 2017–2019.
• Multiple regression analysis was conducted to build predictive models.
• Separate models were constructed for boys and girls.
• Eight indicators associated with obesity assessment were each used to construct separate predictive models for CRF.

Research on the association between RFM and cardiorespiratory fitness is described as extremely limited in the existing literature.

• RFM is an anthropometric index estimating whole-body fat percentage.
• The authors characterize prior research on RFM and CRF as 'extremely limited.'
• The study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the pediatric version of RFM (RFMp) specifically in a school-age child population.

The authors conclude that RFMp has potential for implementation in general pediatric populations and clinical practice for CRF prediction, pending confirmation in larger and more diverse populations.

• RFMp 'demonstrated a certain advantage in terms of predictive ability compared to alternative indicators.'
• The authors note the findings 'need to be confirmed in further studies involving a larger and more diverse population.'
• The study suggests clinical applicability of RFMp as a CRF screening tool in pediatric settings.