Abstract
SummaryObjectiveTo identify socio-demographic and lifestyle determinants of weight gain in a sample of premenopasual black South African (SA) women.MethodsChanges in body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, computerised tomography), socio-economic status (SES) and behavioural/lifestyle factors were measured in 64 black SA women at baseline (27 ± 8 years) and after 5.5 years.ResultsA lower body mass index (BMI) and nulliparity, together with access to sanitation, were significant determinants of weight gain and change in body fat distribution over 5.5 years. In addition, younger women increased their body weight more than their older counterparts, but this association was not independent of other determinants.ConclusionFurther research is required to examine the effect of changing SES, as well as the full impact of childbearing on weight gain over time in younger women with lower BMIs. This information will suggest areas for possible intervention to prevent long-term weight gain in these women.
Highlights
MethodsParticipants included a sample of 64 women from the original convenience sample of 240 apparently healthy premenopausal black South African (SA) women who were tested in 2005/06,22 and were followed up approximately 5.5 years later, as previously described.[3]
The increase in fat mass was largely attributed to an increase in central fat mass, characterised by increases in trunk and android fat mass, as well as both visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and superficial adipose tissue (SAT) areas
This study showed that lower body mass index (BMI) and nulliparity in the younger women were significant determinants of weight gain and centralisation of body fat over 5.5 years
Summary
Participants included a sample of 64 women from the original convenience sample of 240 apparently healthy premenopausal black SA women who were tested in 2005/06,22 and were followed up approximately 5.5 years later, as previously described.[3]. Testing procedures at baseline included body composition measures, questionnaires on SES and reproductive health, and an assessment of baseline physical activity and dietary intake. The dietary and physical activity assessment was not included at follow up. At follow-up testing, voluntary HIV screening was included. Participants were excluded on the basis of a confirmed positive HIV test (Sanitests Home Test Kits, SA). For ethical reasons, those who declined HIV screening were not excluded from the study
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