Total and Intra-Abdominal Fat Distribution in Obese Adolescents Using Different Techniques: Anthropometry, BIA And CT

Abstract

Objectives: Assess the association between the anthropometric measurements of obesity, body composition with total and regional fat areas determined by CT in obese adolescents. Patients and method: 33 obese adolescents and 20 control group were assessed using anthropometry and body composition. CT measured total abdominal, subcutaneous and visceral fat areas. Results: Anthropometric, body composition and CT findings of fat content were significantly higher in obese adolescents. Visceral obesity estimated by CT in obese adolescents was significantly higher than control group (66.7 % vs. 15 %,). In obese subjects, total abdominal and subcutaneous fat had a significant positive correlation with BMI, waist, hip circumferences and Fat mass, while visceral fat had a significant positive correlation with total abdominal fat and waist circumference. In control subjects, total abdominal and subcutaneous fat had a significant positive correlation with BMI, waist, hip measurements, waist / hip ratio and fat free mass, while visceral fat had a significant positive correlation with BMI, waist, hip measurements, waist/ hip ratio, FM, PBF and total abdominal fat. Conclusion: CT is useful for diagnosis of visceral abdominal obesity in both obese and non obese subjects. Waist circumference is a good predictor of total abdominal, subcutaneous and visceral fat in obese adolescents.