A comparative study on effects of chronic alcoholism on anthropometric changes in sedentary human beings

Abstract

Background: Chronic alcoholism has devastating consequences on every system of the human body. Anthropometric measurements indirectly signify the overall health and well-being of the individuals. Effects of alcoholism on human body can be assessed by studying its effects on anthropometric parameters. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to find out and compare the effects of chronic alcoholism on anthropometric measurements between alcoholic sedentary (Group 1) and non-alcoholic sedentary (Group 2) human beings. Materials and Methods: A sample size of 100, age- and sex-matched sedentary individuals are recruited for the study and are categorized into Group 1 (50 alcoholic) and the Group 2 (non-alcoholic). Anthropometric measurements were measured and compared using student’s t-test. Results: The mean weight was 63.270 Kg in alcoholics and 66.220 Kg in non-alcoholic. The mean mid arm circumference (MAC) was 26.120 cm in alcoholics and 27.180 cm in non-alcoholic. The mean maximum fore arm circumference (MFAC) was 25.020 in alcoholics and 25.720 cm in non-alcoholic. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 23.630 kg/m2 in alcoholics and 24.531 kg/m2 in non-alcoholic. The mean fore arm muscle area (FAMA) was 40.945 cm2 in alcoholics and 43.263 cm2 in non-alcoholic. The mean corrected FAMA (CFAMA) was 30.907 cm2 in alcoholics and 33.263 cm2 in non-alcoholic. The mean fore arm skin fold thickness (FSFT) was 7.680 mm in alcoholics and 7.840 mm in non-alcoholic. The mean MM was 18.997 in alcoholics and 20.226 in non-alcoholic. Statistical analysis was done by student t-test and P ˂ 0.05 was considered for statistical significance. Parameters such as weight, BMI, FAMA, CFAMA, FSFT, MFAC MAC, and MM were significantly lower in alcoholics than non-alcoholics (P ˂ 0.05). Anthropometric parameter abdominal skin fold thickness (ASFT) was significantly higher in alcoholics than non-alcoholics. Conclusion: Study concludes that anthropometric measurements such as Weight, BMI, FSFT, FAMA, CFAMA, FSFT, MFAC MAC, and MM in alcoholic group were lower than non-alcoholic group. However, significant change was not observed in Height, Body Fat %, biceps skin fold thickness, Forearm length, and fore arm muscle volume. It was also observed that ASFT was higher in the alcoholic group when compared to non-alcoholic group.