Study on correlation of waist circumference with intra-abdominal fat area

Abstract

To explore the best measurement of waist circumference related with intra-abdominal fat area evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Totally 207 participants aged 20-60 years were enrolled. Waist circumference were measured at the levels of navel (WC1) and the midpoint between costal brim and iliac cest (WC2). Intra-abdominal fat area was evaluated by MRI scan. Intra-abdominal fat area was significantly higher in men than in women [(132.17±59.49 vs 70.56±35.33)cm2,P<0.01]. Pearson correlation analysis showed that WC1 and WC2 were positively correlated with intra-abdominal fat area (r=0.779, r=0.809, both P<0.01). Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that WC1 and WC2 were independently associated with intra-abdominal fat area(β=0.553, R2=0.714, P<0.01; β=0.603, R2=0.735, P<0.01). All of the two different measurements of waist circumference parameters may reflect intra-abdominal fat area, while WC1 seems to be the simpler one. (Chin J Endocrinol Metab, 2017, 33: 745-747) Key words: Waist circumference; Intra-abdominal fat area; Magnetic resonance imaging; Intima-media thickness