Master of Education in Applied Human Development Graduate Projects

Abstract

Body mass index (BMI) is commonly used to categorize weight status and screen for obesity-related health risk; however, BMI does not distinguish between fat mass and fat-free mass and may misclassify physically trained individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between BMI and percent body fat in Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets at Bowling Green State University and to examine sex differences in BMI and adiposity. Eighteen cadets (11 males, 7 females; ages 18–23) completed anthropometric assessment for BMI calculation and body composition assessment using air displacement plethysmography (Bod Pod). A Pearson product–moment correlation indicated no significant relationship between BMI and percent body fat, r(16) = .05, p = .848, R² = .003, suggesting BMI explained negligible variability in adiposity in this cohort. Independent-samples t-tests indicated females had significantly higher percent body fat (M = 25.2%, SD = 5.0%) than males (M = 17.8%, SD = 5.7%), t(14.23) = −2.92, p = .011, whereas males had significantly higher BMI (M = 24.73 kg/m², SD = 2.24) than females (M = 22.33 kg/m², SD = 1.20), t(15.74) = 2.95, p = .010. Collectively, these findings suggest BMI may not be an appropriate standalone indicator of adiposity in physically trained Air Force ROTC populations and support the use of direct body composition assessment when feasible.

Advisor

Dr. Todd Keylock

Second Reader

Dr. Jess Kiss

Semester

Spring

Year

2026

Degree

M.Ed.

Program

Kinesiology

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