Relations between parameters which define quantity and distribution of adipose tissue

Abstract

Obesity is defined as an increase of body fat mass. Regional fat distribution, especially abdominal obesity, is a very important risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic complications in obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between some anthropometric parameters and body fat mass in normal weight and obese subjects. The study group consisted of 60 obese and 60 normal-weight subjects of both sexes. All examinees underwent following anthropometric measurements: body height, body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference and sagittal abdominal diameter. We calculated values of body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), waist to stature ratio (WSR) and sagittal abdominal diameter to height ratio (SAD/H). Body fat percent (FAT%) was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. We have established that FAT% has the strongest correlation with BMI in all examined groups. Comparing with other body fat distribution parameters, FAT% had the best correlation with waist circumference and WHR. 13.33% of normal-weight women and 10% of normal-weight men presented with borderline increased body fat mass, whereas 6.67% of normal-weight women had increased values (normal-weight obesity). Normal-weight subjects had higher values of anthropometric parameters, comparing with normal-weight subjects with normal FAT%. In order to achieve precise diagnosis of obesity it is necessary, apart from certain anthropometric measurements, to establish the body fat mass, using some methods of body composition analysis. In order to identify subjects with higher risk for obesity complications, it is necessary to analyze the size of intraabdominal fat depots. We found that waist circumference, as a good predictor of specific fat distribution, also has a very good correlation with total body fat mass.