Correlation of anthropometric determinants, body fat distribution, and pulmonary function in postmenopausal women – An observational study

Abstract

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation resulting from loss of ovarian follicular activity. This induces a reduction in resting metabolic rate, physical activity, and fat-free mass. Buildup of adipose tissues in the anterior abdominal wall and in the intra-abdominal visceral tissue hinders diaphragmatic movement and diminishes basal lung expansion during inspiration causes ventilation–perfusion abnormalities. Very few evidence of the correlation between body fat distribution and pulmonary function in menopausal women. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between anthropometry determinants, body fat distribution, and pulmonary function in postmenopausal women. SETTING AND DESIGN: After ethical committee approval, an observational study of 101 postmenopausal women fulfilling the criteria were selected from the tertiary care center. METHODOLOGY: Anthropometric measurements of participants such as height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were measured. Body fat distribution is evaluated by measuring skinfold at five sites (biceps, triceps, abdominal, suprailiac, and subscapular) with the help of Lange caliper. Pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1st second [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC], FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow rate) recorded on a computerized portable lung function unit. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: As the data were not in normal distribution, Spearmen’s correlation test was used. RESULTS: It showed that strong negative correlation existed between age and FVC (r = −0.742) and WHR and FEV1/FVC (r = −0.796). Furthermore, moderate negative correlation was found between biceps and FEV1 and FVC (r = −0.433 and r = −0.475), respectively, and abdominal skinfold and FEV1 and FVC (r = −0.628, r = −0.646) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION/CLINICAL IMPLICATION: It could be concluded that in postmenopausal women, there may be a negative correlation between anthropometry, body fat distribution, and pulmonary function.