Relationship of blood group with body fat percentage, visceral fat, and waist-hip ratio

Abstract

Background: Researches have found that individuals of certain blood types may be at a higher risk for certain diseases. Studies have been conducted to establish the relationship between ABO blood group, rhesus (Rh) antigen and obesity. However, none has taken body fat percentage (BFP), visceral fat, or waist-hip ratio (WHR) into consideration. Aims and Objective: Objective of this study was to find out the relationship of blood group and Rh antigen with modern and trending obesity parameters such as BFP, visceral fat percentage, and WHR. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 100 healthy MBBS students. BFP, visceral fat percentage was obtained by bioelectric impedance method. WHR was calculated after measuring waist and hip circumference using Myo Taf body tape measure. Result: From our study, we observed, in males, blood group AB and Rh-negative participants have the highest propensity of increased BFP (>21%) and WHR (>0.9). Rh-positive males and blood group A have higher number of participants having visceral fat >10%. In females, over fat participants (>34%) are highest in number in O blood group and Rh-positive phenotype. Increased WHR (>0.85) is seen in AB and Rh-positive females. Females of blood group A and Rh-positive phenotype have the highest percentage of participants having higher visceral fat percentage (>10%). Conclusion: Relation with body composition parameters may be helpful to assess the disease incidence and risk assessment according to ABO and Rh blood groups.