Abstract
BackgroundSouth Asians were reported to have a higher liver fat content as compared to BMI-matched Caucasians. This study compared the increase in liver fat content in response to overfeeding with a high fat diet in South Asian and Caucasian men when matched for body fat percentage.MethodsTen South Asian men (BMI 18–29 kg/m2) and 10 Caucasian men (BMI 22–33 kg/m2), aged 20–40 y, matched for body fat percentage, were included. A weight maintenance diet was given for 3 days based on the individual energy requirement. Individual energy requirement of the subjects was calculated based on their body composition (measured by hydro densitometry and deuterium dilution) and activity counts (accelerometer). Liver fat content was measured before and after 4 days of overfeeding (50 % excess energy need) with a high fat diet (60 % energy from fat). Fat distribution was measured by anthropometry and an MRI scan of the abdomen while liver fat content using 1H-MRS.ResultsWhile having a similar body fat % (P = 0.58), South Asians had a lower BMI (P = 0.04) than Caucasians. Liver fat content at baseline did not differ between ethnicities (P = 0.48) and was associated with visceral fat area (P = 0.002, R2 = 0.56) but not with ethnicity (P = 0.13). Overfeeding with a high fat diet significantly increased liver fat (P = 0.01) but the increase did not differ between ethnicities (P = 0.47). There was no difference in the total abdominal fat area (P = 0.37), subcutaneous abdominal fat area (P = 0.18) and visceral fat area (VAT, P = 0.32). However as a percentage of the total abdominal fat area, VAT was higher in South Asians (P = 0.003).ConclusionDespite a relatively higher percentage of visceral fat area, liver fat increased similarly in South Asian and Caucasian men in response to overfeeding with a high fat diet.Trial registrationThe study was registered in the public trial registry www.ccmo.nl No. NL31217.068.10.
Highlights
South Asians were reported to have a higher liver fat content as compared to Body mass index (BMI)-matched Caucasians
South Asian subjects were slightly older than Caucasians and had a significantly lower BMI (P = 0.04), but there was no difference in body fat percentage (P = 0.58)
As a percentage of the total abdominal fat area, visceral fat (VAT) was higher in South Asians (P = 0.003) and so was the VAT to subcutaneous abdominal fat (SAT) ratio (P = 0.003)
Summary
South Asians were reported to have a higher liver fat content as compared to BMI-matched Caucasians. This study compared the increase in liver fat content in response to overfeeding with a high fat diet in South Asian and Caucasian men when matched for body fat percentage. Differences in body composition between Asians and Caucasians matched for sex, BMI and age have been reported in several comparative studies. We [4] and others [5,6,7,8,9] found that Asians have a higher body fat percentage and a lower fat-free mass/appendicular skeletal muscle mass [10,11,12] compared to that of Caucasians. Ectopic fat accumulation in the liver has been shown to be associated with insulin resistance in Caucasians [17, 18] and South Asians [15]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
