Age group and gender-wise comparison of obesity indices in subjects of Varanasi

Abstract

Objectives: Deposition of body fat may differ in different age groups and gender-wise differences are also likely. The present study aims to evaluate age- and gender-wise differences in obesity parameters in healthy subjects of both genders of Varanasi. Materials and Methods: Anthropometric measurements were performed in 346 subjects reported in health check-up camp. Parameters were compared between each age group for males and females separately as well as gender-wise comparison for each age group was also performed. Regression analysis was performed to observe the relationship of age with obesity parameters and body mass index (BMI) with other parameters of obesity. Results: Both males and females had central obesity with males having higher waist circumference (WC) than females (P = 0.002) while females had higher body fat (fat %) (P = 0.000). Obesity indices of males of age group of 18–29 years were lesser as compared to other age groups. Obesity indices of female subjects were comparable in 18–39 years of age. Age group of 30–39 and 50–59 years males had higher WC than females (P = 0.002, 0.016, respectively) while fat % of females in each age group were significantly higher than males of corresponding age groups. Positive correlation of age with obesity parameters and BMI with WC and fat % was observed. Conclusion: Gender-wise differences in BMI, WC, WHtR and fat % tend to increase with age, indicative of increase in adiposity and central obesity with progressing age. Males in general have higher WC than females but lesser fat %. Gender differences in obesity may show age group specific variations. Findings of the study may be useful for identifying age specific distribution of obesity indices in males and females.