Comparative analysis of body composition of females from three European countries

The aim of this study was to examine differences in body composition among girls from three European countries (Serbia, Italy, and Spain). Based on age, participants were divided into two categories: the first group included girls aged 15–19 years, while the second group consisted of those aged 20–24 years. The first group comprised a total of 113 participants (50 from Serbia, 24 from Spain, and 39 from Italy), whereas the second group included 167 participants (50 from Serbia, 81 from Spain, and 36 from Italy). Body composition was assessed using the InBody 230 device, which enabled the assessment of the following variables: body height, body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, muscle mass percentage, and waist-hip ratio. In the age group 15-19 years, results showed statistically significant differences among the countries in body height (p < 0.05) and waist-hip ratio (p < 0.05). In the age group 20–24 years, statistically significant differences were observed in all measured variables. Overall, the results indicate that differences in body composition among girls from Serbia, Italy, and Spain are more pronounced in the older age group (20–24 years) compared to the younger group (15–19 years), which is likely a consequence of cultural, lifestyle, and training factors, while also underscoring the importance of monitoring body composition during growth and maturation.