Kelly et al. 2009 (NHANES DXA)
About this reference
Kelly et al. used DXA scans from NHANES 1999–2004 (n=15,258 adults) to derive reference centiles for multiple body composition components including lean mass, appendicular lean mass, fat mass, and bone mineral density. LMS (lambda-mu-sigma) curve fitting was applied to generate smooth, age-specific percentiles by sex and ethnicity. This is the standard reference dataset for lean mass and appendicular lean mass index in the US adult population.
Known limitations
- US population only — norms reflect the US adult population, which may differ from European or other Western populations in body composition
- Ethnicity-specific curves available (White, Black, Mexican American) — norms on this site use the White reference as the primary Western comparator
- Cross-sectional design reflects population averages, not individual trajectories over time
- NHANES excludes institutionalised individuals (nursing homes, prisons)
- Percentiles are derived from LMS curve fitting, not directly measured at each age point