Abdominal Skinfold Thickness Research Articles

An Association Between Left-Hand Digit Ratio (2D:4D) and Anthropometric Indexes in Chinese Children and Adolescents Aged 8-15 Years in Bengbu City.

The digit ratio (2D:4D) is a possible marker of prenatal hormone exposure. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between digit ratio (2D:4D) and anthropometric indexes in Chinese children and adolescents. This study is a cross-sectional study. A school-based survey among 685 children and adolescents aged 8-15 years were conducted by stratified cluster sampling. The length of index finger (2D) and ring finger (4D) of the left hand, height, sitting height (ST), weight, chest circumference (CC), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and abdominal skinfold thickness (AST) were measured. Pearson correlation and multivariate linear regression were used to analyze associations between 2D:4D and above indexes. In girls, 2D:4D was positively related to WC, AST, waist-to-height (WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) after adjusting for ages (p < 0.05). The WC, AST, WHtR, and WHR among girls with 2D:4D ≥ 1 were significantly higher than those among girls with 2D:4D < 1, respectively (p < 0.05). However, there was no correlations between digit ratio (2D:4D) and above anthropometric indexes in boys (p > 0.05). The 2D:4D was related to anthropometric indexes in girls, which suggests that the maternal prenatal hormone exposure might be related to the anthropometric indexes of their female offspring.

Correlation of Co-Morbidities with Symptom Severity of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

This study aims to identify potential correlations of the severity of symptoms of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with serum nutritional levels, body composition indicators, diet partiality, and sleep disturbances. The cohort of this cross-sectional study included 120 children with ASD and 110 typically developing (TD) children to assess symptoms of ASD, and to measure serum levels of vitamins and minerals and the body composition values. Diet partiality and sleep disturbances were assessed by administering questionnaires. The serum levels of folic acid, copper, and vitamin B were lower in children with ASD than in TD children, while magnesium and homocysteine were higher (p < 0.05). Children with ASD had greater chest circumference, abdominal skinfold thickness, and body mass index (BMI) than TD children (p < 0.05), and higher prevalences of diet partiality and sleep disturbances (p < 0.001). Lower vitamin A levels and higher vitamin D levels were related to social impairment in children with ASD. Moreover, there were significantly positive correlations of BMI, chest circumference, diet partiality, and sleep disturbances with severity of ASD symptoms (p < 0.05). Collectively, rational nutritional supplementation, dietary management, and behavioral interventions are essential for children with ASD.

Secular trends in anthropometric characteristics and their associations with external skeletal robustness among Slovenian young adults’ population

Objectives: To determine secular trends in body height, fat-mass, fat-free mass, and external skeletal robustness in young adults and examine possible relationship between them. Methods: Anthropometric data (body height, body mass; skinfold thickness (SFT) – triceps, abdominal, thigh; circumferences (C) – waist, upper arm, thigh; width – elbow, knee) of young adults aged 20-25 years (N = 5303; males 1985, females 3318) were used from the Slovenian (data)Base of Anthropometric Measurements from 1960 to 2023. Multiple linear regressions were performed. Results: The most significant positive secular trends (p &lt; 0.000) were observed in males for abdominal SFT (B = 0.151, R2 = 0.169) and thigh SFT (B = 0.131, R2 = 0.142). In females, similar trend was observed in waist C (B = 0.151; R2 = 0.169). The most significant negative secular trend (p &lt; 0.001) was observed in muscle area of lower limbs in both sexes (males: B = - 0.427, R2 = 0.000; females: B = - 0.875, R2 = 0.300). Body height and overall body mass were the most important factors influencing the observed decline in external skeletal robustness assessed with frame index according to elbow and knee width according to multiple linear regression. Conclusion: Over the last 60 years, a positive secular trend was observed in body height and body fat, while a negative trend was noted in muscle mass. Increases in body height and overall body mass had the most significant impact on the observed decrease in assessed external skeletal robustness over time.

Estimating the Total and Regional Body Fat of Physically Active Men Is Not Appropriate for Sedentary Men

Objectives. The reliability of predictive body fat equations remains unclear due to their inappropriate use across different subject cohorts and conditions. The objective of this study was to validate and cross-validate equations to predict total and regional body fat in young physically active males. Material and methods. Three hundred and five young male participants were divided into the following groups: active validation (n=165), active cross-validation (n=70), or sedentary cross-validation ones (n=70). The study used a stratified random sampling based on weekly physical activity level. The total and regional body fat mass were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) after an overnight fast. Simultaneous measurements of height, body mass, skinfold thickness, body mass index, and body circumferences were taken. The total and regional body fat predictive equations were generated using multiple linear stepwise regression models. The coefficient of determination (R²) and standard error of estimation (SEE) were calculated to examine the accuracy of the predictive equations. Furthermore, cross-validation groups were analysed. Results. The percentage of total body fat, trunk fat, legs fat, arms fat, and body mass index of active cross-validation were found to be significantly lower than in the sedentary cross-validation groups. The total body fat percentage was highly associated with abdominal skinfold thickness (R=0.68-0.74, P&lt;0.001), body mass index (R=0.55, P&lt;0.001), and suprailiac skinfold thickness (R=0.67-0.71, P&lt;0.001) in the active validation group. The predictive total and regional body fat equations of physically active men showed adjusted R² values ranging from 0.35 to 0.66, with standard error of estimation values between 2.74 to 4.35%. The standard error of estimation for the predictive percentage of total and regional body fat in the active cross-validation group was lower than in the sedentary cross-validation group. Conclusions. The findings demonstrate that new predictive total and regional body fat equations can be used to accurately estimate body fat in healthy young active males under fast conditions.

Forecasting and validating fat mass ratio models through anthropometric measurements and health-related factors among people with HIV: a cross-sectional investigation.

There is a limited research on predictive models of fat mass ratio (FMR) in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PWH). This study aimed to develop models considering anthropometric and health-related factors to predict and validate FMR in PWH regardless of sex. One hundred and six Brazilian PWH (46.4±9.8 years) were evaluated for body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), body circumference (BC), and skinfold thicknesses (SKs). FMR predictive models were developed using stepwise linear regression, and their agreement with DXA was assessed using Bland-Altman plots. Cross-validation was performed using the predicted residual error sum of squares (PRESS) method. Six FMR estimation models were developed for PWH, with adjusted R2 ranging from 0.43 to 0.72, standard error of the estimate (SEE) from 0.16% to 0.22%, and 95% confidence interval (CI) from 1.03 to 1.15. Model 6, including thigh SK, waist BC, therapy duration, subscapular SK, education years, and abdominal SK, exhibited the highest determination power (R2 adjusted 0.72, SEE 0.16%, and 95% CI: 1.06-1.15). The agreement between DXA-based FMR and predictive models showed minimal bias (-0.03 to +0.04) and narrower limits of agreement, particularly for the top-performing model (-0.33 to +0.30). Model 6 exhibited a high adjusted Q2PRESS (0.70) and low SPRESS (0.17). Our predictive models advance the study of body composition in PWH by consolidating the use of anthropometry for diagnosing and monitoring lipodystrophy regardless of sex.

Associations between maternal urinary kisspeptin in late pregnancy and decreased fetal growth: a pregnancy-birth cohort study.

Kisspeptin has been indicated to be a biomarker of fetal growth. Although some evidence suggested that maternal kisspeptin concentrations in early pregnancy were associated with increased fetal growth, studies are still limited and the effect of kisspeptin in late pregnancy remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the associations between maternal kisspeptin in late pregnancy and fetal growth. Based on the Shanghai-Minhang Birth Cohort study, 724 mother-neonate pairs were included in this study. We measured maternal kisspeptin concentrations in the urine samples collected in late pregnancy and neonatal anthropometric indices at birth. The associations between maternal kisspeptin and neonatal anthropometry were investigated using multiple linear regression models. Higher maternal urinary kisspeptin concentrations were associated with lower neonatal birth weight, head circumference, upper arm circumference, abdominal skinfold thickness, triceps skinfold thickness, and back skinfold thickness. The inverse associations were more pronounced for the highest kisspeptin levels versus the lowest. These patterns were consistent in analyses stratified by neonatal sex, with notably stable associations between maternal kisspeptin concentrations and skinfold thickness. The present study suggested that maternal kisspeptin concentrations in late pregnancy might be inversely associated with fetal growth. The physiological mechanisms of maternal kisspeptin might differ from those in early pregnancy. Further studies are required to assess associations between maternal kisspeptin and energy homeostasis and explore the physiological roles of kisspeptin in late pregnancy.

Effects of laser acupuncture on anthropometric parameters and lipid profile in obese adolescents

The purpose was to compare the effects of diet and exercise and laser interference and maneuver on anthropometric parameters and blood effects of object agents. The study was a randomized controlled longitudinal study. It included 45 adolescents from both sexes who were divided randomly into two groups: one group was treated with low calorie diet and exercise as group A and group B was treated with low calorie diet, exercise, and laser acupuncture. All parameters and blood samples were done before and after the interventions. Group A showed a highly significant reduction post intervention in anthropometric parameters: triceps skin fold thickness (SFT), biceps SFT, subscapular SFT, suprailiac SFT, abdominal SFT, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), waist C, and hip C, except for waste/hip (W/H) ratio which showed no significant difference,p > 0.05 and some lipid profiles (cholesterol, LDL) with p < 0.001 Whereas, a significant decrease in TG was observed (p < 0.05). On the other hand, a significant increase in HDL was observed (p < 0.05). Group B (LCD + exercise + LA) showed a highly significant reduction post intervention in anthropometric parameters: triceps SFT, biceps SFT, subscapular SFT, suprailiac SFT, abdominal SFT, MUAC, waist C, and Hip C, except for W/H ratio which showed no significant difference,p > 0.05 and lipid profile: cholesterol, LDL, and TG with (p < 0.001), whereas a highly significant increase in HDL was observed (p < 0.001). The current study revealed a significant difference between group A and group B regarding the percentage of change, where the highest values were found in group B compared to group A, in anthropometric parameters (weight, BMI, subscapular SFT, MUAC, waist circumference) and some lipid profiles (LDL and HDL) with p < 0.05. Laser acupuncture was a safe, easy, and more effective tool with extra effect in management of obesity when added to diet and exercise on anthropometric parameters and lipid profile.

IMPACTO DE DISTINTOS ESPORTES SOBRE AS MASSAS CORPORAIS DE UNIVERSITÁRIAS

ABSTRACT Introduction A healthy body depends on several factors, and physical exercise is one of the main factors. Research results on the physical health of female university students show that although the general health status of Chinese female students is good, the quality of physical performance at university continues to show a slow downward trend. Objective To explore the effects of different exercises on the fat mass and lean weight indices of female university students. Methods 60 female students who participated in aerobics and ball games training in the Physical Education Department of a university were randomly divided into a control group and a training group, with 30 volunteers in each group. The experimental group performed intensive aerobics training and ball training. In contrast, no intervention was performed in the control group, and indicators were collected and analyzed according to current literature. Results After eight weeks of the intervention protocol, the body weight, body fat weight, lean weight, body surface area, and body fat ratio of the control group had no significant changes from the period before the experiment (P &gt; 0.05). In the training group, fat weight decreased significantly (p&lt;0.01), lean mass weight increased significantly (p&lt;0.01), body fat ratio decreased (p&lt;0.01), and body weight and body surface area had no significant changes (p&gt;0.05). PTH and FSH in the training group were significantly higher than in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). As the aerobic exercise level improved in the experimental group, the weight and abdominal skinfold thickness in the exercise group showed a downward trend. Conclusion There is a general correlation between BMI and body fat content and its body distribution in college women. Compared to men, BMI is better suited to describe the fat metabolism of college women. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Association between body image dissatisfaction and body anthropometric indices among Chinese children and adolescents at different developmental stages.

Children at different developmental stages show different physical development and psychological cognitive characteristics and may pay different attention to body parts. The purpose of this study was to analyze the associations between body image dissatisfaction (BID) and body anthropometric indices (BAIs) among Chinese children and adolescents at different developmental stages. A total of 609 Chinese primary and secondary school students aged 8-15 years (329 boys and 280 girls) were selected using stratified cluster sampling. The students' body height, sitting height (SH), weight, chest circumference (CC), hip circumference (HC), waist circumference (WC), scapular skinfold thickness (SST), triceps skinfold thickness (TST), and abdominal skinfold thickness (AST) were measured. Boys' testicular volumes and first spermatorrhea and girls' breast measures and menarche were assessed using the Tanner stage standard. A body shape questionnaire (BSQ) was used to survey the subject's BID. In boys with testicular volume < 4 ml, the hip-to-height ratio (HHR) was positively correlated with BSQ score (β = 8.17, P < 0.01). In boys with testicular volume ≥4 ml and nonfirst spermatorrhea, the HHR and SST were positively correlated with BSQ score (β = 2.51, P = 0.04; β = 4.98, P < 0.01). In boys with first spermatorrhea, weight was positively correlated with BSQ score (β = 10.30, P < 0.01). In girls with breast development < Tanner stage II, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was positively correlated with BSQ score (β = 5.12, P < 0.01); In girls with breast development ≥ Tanner stage II and nonmenarche, chest-to-sitting height ratio (CSHR) was positively correlated with BSQ score (β = 10.82, P < 0.01), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was negatively correlated with BSQ score (β = -3.61, P = 0.04). In girls with menarche, WHtR and sitting height-to-height ratio (SHHR) were positively correlated with BSQ score (β = 6.09, P < 0.01; β = 2.05, P = 0.02). The associations between body image dissatisfaction and anthropometric indices among Chinese children and adolescents at different developmental stages are different.

IMPLEMENTATION OF AN UNSTABLE SURFACE EXERCISE PROGRAM IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM: EFFECTS ON STRENGTH AND MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES

Although unstable strength training has gained popularity among athletes and the recreational population, there is scarce data regarding the applicability of this type of exercise program in school settings. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the implementation of an unstable surface strength exercise program in physical education would contribute to the improvement of physical fitness in 14-years students. A sample of 220 adolescents (112 girls) was randomly assigned to either the EXP (calisthenics exercise under unstable conditions) or the CON group (prescribed physical education strength exercise program). Before and after the 12- week period, upper-body isometric and repetitive strength were accessed using 4 motor tests. In addition, skinfold thickness (ST) was determined in subscapular, pectoral, and abdominal areas. Both groups improved strength performance (p &lt; 0.01), with greater increase in EXP compared to CON for all motor tests (p &lt; 0.01, ES = 0.21 – 0.45). Both groups decreased total, subscapular and abdominal ST (p &lt; 0.05), with no significant effect of group. Unstable surface strength exercises are effective in improving physical abilities and should be included in the regular physical education curriculum.

Effects of 40% of Maximum Oxygen Uptake Intensity Cycling Combined with Blood Flow Restriction Training on Body Composition and Serum Biomarkers of Chinese College Students with Obesity.

Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) is a new method for promoting muscle growth and improving muscle function, even with relatively low-intensity exercise. BFRT on patients with obesity has not been extensively studied. This study aimed to analyze the effects of cycling at 40% of maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) combined with BFRT on body composition and serum biomarkers among college students with obesity. This pilot study included thirty-seven male college students with obesity aged 18–22 years (experimental group (EG): n = 18; control group (CG): n = 19). The EG conducted 40% VO2max cycling combined with BFRT activities and the CG conducted 40% VO2max cycling without BFRT two times per week for 12 weeks. Our results showed that in EG, there were significant differences in weight, thigh skinfold thickness (TS), waist circumference, abdominal skinfold thickness, fat mass, body fat percentage, body mass index and glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels before and after the experiment (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001). After the experiment, TS, GLU, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C in EG were significantly different than those of the CG (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001). Together, our results demonstrate that cycling at 40% VO2max combined with BFRT may improve body composition and blood lipid profile of male college students with obesity. Our findings have important implications for those who cannot perform moderate- and high-intensity exercises.

EXPLORING OF CHANGES OF ANTHROPOMETRIC STRUCTURES AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCES OF 8-13 YEAR-OLD MALE BASKETBALL PLAYERS

In the study, it was aimed to determine how the anthropometric structure and athletic performance elements of male basketball players changed in terms of age levels. The research group consists of male athletes between the ages of 8-13 who are licensed in the basketball. All athletes completed the anthropometric tests (stature, body weight, arm span, abdominal and triceps skinfold thickness and athletic performance tests (standing long jump, countermovement jump, maximum vertical jump, modified sit and reach, alternate wall toss, 20-m sprint and pro-agility). A significant difference was determined in the comparison of stature, body weight, arm span in terms of age groups in the research group. [respectively = F(3-72) = 71.954; 23.505; 63.109 p&lt;0.05]. A significant difference was found between the vertical jump, hand-eye coordination, speed, anaerobic power performances of the participants in terms of age levels. [respectively= F(3-72) = 19.871; 22.939; 16.253; 37.579, p&lt;0.05]. There was no significant difference between the groups in the flexibility variable in terms of age level (p&gt;0.05). The significant difference between the age groups in terms of broad jump (x2(2) = 13.340), maximum vertical jump (x2(2) = 24.087) p&lt;0.017) and agility x2(2) = 7.022, p&lt;0.017) are due to the 8-9 age groups and the 12-13 age groups. In conclusion, the change in the anthropometric structures of basketball players such as stature, body weight, and arm span increases in proportion to the increase in age levels. In addition, it is seen that all athletic performance parameters, except flexibility, increase with the increase in age level. From this point of view, especially the trainers working in the infrastructure should design their training programs by taking into account the developmental characteristics of the athletes.&#x0D; &#x0D; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0984/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Genetic association of anthropometric traits with type 2 diabetes in ethnically endogamous Sindhi families.

BackgroundEthnically endogamous populations can shed light on the genetics of type 2 diabetes. Such studies are lacking in India. We conducted this study to determine the genetic and environmental contributions of anthropometric traits to type 2 diabetes risk in the Sindhi families in central India.MethodsWe conducted a family study in Indian Sindhi families with at least one case of type 2 diabetes. Variance components methods were used to quantify the genetic association of 18 anthropometric traits with eight type 2 diabetes related traits. Univariate and bivariate polygenic models were used to determine the heritability, genetic and environmental correlation of anthropometric traits with type 2 diabetes related traits.ResultsWe included 1,152 individuals from 112 phenotyped families. The ascertainment-bias corrected prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 35%. Waist circumference, hip circumference and the biceps, triceps, subscapular and medial calf skinfold thicknesses were polygenically and significantly associated with type 2 diabetes. The range of heritability of the anthropometric traits and type 2 diabetes related traits was 0.27–0.73 and 0.00–0.39, respectively. Heritability of type 2 diabetes as a discrete trait was 0.35. Heritability curves demonstrated a substantial local influence of type 2 diabetes related traits. Bivariate trait analyses showed that biceps and abdominal skinfold thickness and all waist-containing indexes were strongly genetically correlated with type 2 diabetes.ConclusionsIn this first study of Sindhi families, we found evidence for genetic and environmental concordance of anthropometric traits with type 2 diabetes. Future studies need to probe into the genetics of type 2 diabetes in this population.

Relationships Between Body Composition, Abdominal Muscle Strength, And Well Defined Abdominal Muscles

BACKGROUND Physically fit individuals may desire to have well defined abdominal muscles (also known as “6 Pack Abs”). They seek to obtain 6 Pack Abs through numerous exercises that strengthen and tone the abdominal muscles. It has also been purported that to have 6 Pack Abs an individual must have low amounts of total body fat. However, there has been little to no research to determine the amount of body fatness or abdominal muscle strength necessary to have 6 Pack Abs. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between total and regional body fatness, abdominal muscle strength, and the aesthetic quality of an individual's abs. METHODS: 56 male and 31 female subjects between the ages of 19 and 35 years old were recruited for measurement of body composition via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, abdominal skinfold measurement, abdominal muscle strength assessment through a 60 second sit up test, and a photograph of the subject’s bare abdomens. The photographs were then scored on a 10 point scale for overall quality of 6 Pack Abs based on visual appearance for symmetry, muscle mass, and definition (total possible score of 30 points). Regression analysis was used to determine what factors predict 6 Pack Ab score. RESULTS: The strongest predictor of 6 pack ab score for women was having a low percent of android body fat (r2 = 0.52), followed by total percent body fat (r2 = 0.46), abdominal skinfold thickness (r2 = 0.45), and percent of gynoid body fat (r2 = 0.33). The strongest predictor of 6 pack ab score for males was having a low percent of android body fat (r2 = 0.43), followed by total percent body fat (r2 = 0.38) and then abdominal skinfold thickness (r2 = 0.33). 1 minute sit up performance did not significantly predict 6 pack ab score. CONCLUSION: The present data suggest that the strongest predictor of 6 pack ab score is having a low percent of android body fat followed by total percent body fat. Since total body fatness can be influenced by diet and exercise, but body fat distribution is determined by genetics, 6 pack abs may be an unattainable goal for some individuals. Furthermore, the present data indicate that performance on the 1 minute sit up test is not a significant predictor of 6 pack ab score, suggesting that abdominal muscle strength is not a significant influence on 6 pack abs in physically active individuals.

Optimal cutoff of the abdominal skinfold thickness (AST) to predict hypertension among Chinese children and adolescents.

Previous studies have shown that the correlation between the abdominal skinfold thickness (AST) and hypertension is better than that observed using the body mass index (BMI) or waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). We aimed to explore the optimal cutoff of the AST to predict childhood hypertension. The AST percentiles were calculated based on 215,223 students from the Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health (CNSSCH) in 2010 using the LMS method. Logistic regression model and Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the optimal cutoff of the AST to predict hypertension based on a sample of 683 children aged 8-15 years. The prevalence of hypertension was 5.71% (5.45% in boys and 6.01% in girls). The area under the ROC curve [AUC (95% CI)] values of the BMI, WHtR and AST to predict hypertension were 0.62 (0.47-0.77), 0.61 (0.45-0.76), and 0.67 (0.54-0.80) in boys and 0.59 (0.46-0.71), 0.65 (0.50-0.80), and 0.70 (0.57-0.83) in girls, respectively. The AUC value at P85 of AST in boys and that at P90 of AST in girls to predict hypertension were higher than other percentile values of AST. The OR (95% CI) values of the optimal cutoff of the AST associated with hypertension were 2.90 (1.17-7.20) and 4.91 (1.81-13.31) in boys and girls, respectively, and were higher than those associated with overweight/obesity (based on BMI) and abdominal obesity (based on WHtR).The AST was more effectively associated with hypertension than the BMI and WHtR, and the optimal cutoff to predict hypertension was at P85 for boys and P90 for girls.

The impact of lifestyle and socioeconomic parameters on body fat level in early childhood.

The aim of this study was to examine the differences between selected lifestyle and socioeconomic parameters among preschool (3-7 years of age) children of differing adiposity status. The study was conducted from February to June 2018 in 20 randomly selected kindergartens in Kraków, Poland. Triceps, biceps, subscapular, suprailiac, abdominal and calf skinfold thicknesses were measured. The sum of all six skinfolds was calculated and the children were subsequently characterized by low (≤-1 SD [standard deviation]), normal (-1 to 1 SD) or high body fat (≥1 SD). Socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics were obtained using a questionnaire filled out by the children's parents or legal guardians. Preschool children in the high adiposity category had, on average, fewer siblings and longer screen time; additionally, their parents had lower education and more often worked in manual jobs, in comparison to the children in the low and average adiposity categories. In conclusion, it was observed that children in different adiposity categories varied in terms of some socioeconomic as well as lifestyle characteristics. Knowledge regarding the influence that those factors can have on the metabolic health of children is essential for children's present as well as future well-being. Moreover, it can help health care professionals and parents decide what intervention and/ or preventive measures should be undertaken to ensure the best possible outcomes, as the development of successful obesity prevention strategies should rely on evidence-based information. Nonetheless, future research examining the issue of factors influencing the metabolic health of children, as well as these outcomes later in life, is crucial. Well-planned studies including a large number of individuals, as well as longitudinal research, will be particularly beneficial in this regard.

Epidemiology of Obesity and Hypertension in School Adolescents Aged 15-17 from the Region of Central Poland-A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of abnormal weight and anthropometric parameters along with abnormal blood pressure values in adolescents in Poland. Anthropometric measurements were taken in the studied age group and the correlation between these values and blood pressure values and the diagnosis of hypertension was analyzed. The main aim of the study was to characterize the particular age group in the selected population: 690 students aged 15–17 years were examined. Blood pressure and anthropometric values including height, weight, circumferences of the hips, abdomen and arms, as well as skinfolds on the back of the arm, below the scapula and the stomach, were taken. The following indexes were calculated: WHR (waist to hip ratio), WHtR (waist to height ratio), BAI (body adiposity index-hip to height ratio) and BMI (body mass index). Mean SBP (systolic blood pressure) was 112.3 (standard deviation (SD) 12.2) mmHg, and DBP (diastolic blood pressure) was 66.9 (SD 6.9) mmHg. The prevalence of hypertension in the studied group was 5.8% (3.2% boys, 2.6% girls) and prehypertension was present in 4.4% (1.6% boys, 2.8% girls). The prevalence of excess body weight was 23.6%-obesity 11.3% (40 girls, 27 boys) and overweight 12.3% (50 girls, 34 boys). Correlations between BMI and waist, hip and arm circumference, subscapular and abdominal skinfold thickness, WHtR and BAI were r = 0.86, r = 0.84, r = 0.88, r = 0.81, r = 0.75, r = 0.88 and r = 0.81, respectively (p < 0.05). Significant differences (p < 0.05) of SBP and DBP values, depending on weight category, as defined by BMI, were observed. Abnormal blood pressure values occur in one tenth and abnormal body weight in almost a quarter of the studied population. Obese and overweight children have higher SBP and DBP values compared to children with normal body weight.

A comparative study on effects of chronic alcoholism on anthropometric changes in sedentary human beings

Background: Chronic alcoholism has devastating consequences on every system of the human body. Anthropometric measurements indirectly signify the overall health and well-being of the individuals. Effects of alcoholism on human body can be assessed by studying its effects on anthropometric parameters. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to find out and compare the effects of chronic alcoholism on anthropometric measurements between alcoholic sedentary (Group 1) and non-alcoholic sedentary (Group 2) human beings. Materials and Methods: A sample size of 100, age- and sex-matched sedentary individuals are recruited for the study and are categorized into Group 1 (50 alcoholic) and the Group 2 (non-alcoholic). Anthropometric measurements were measured and compared using student’s t-test. Results: The mean weight was 63.270 Kg in alcoholics and 66.220 Kg in non-alcoholic. The mean mid arm circumference (MAC) was 26.120 cm in alcoholics and 27.180 cm in non-alcoholic. The mean maximum fore arm circumference (MFAC) was 25.020 in alcoholics and 25.720 cm in non-alcoholic. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 23.630 kg/m2 in alcoholics and 24.531 kg/m2 in non-alcoholic. The mean fore arm muscle area (FAMA) was 40.945 cm2 in alcoholics and 43.263 cm2 in non-alcoholic. The mean corrected FAMA (CFAMA) was 30.907 cm2 in alcoholics and 33.263 cm2 in non-alcoholic. The mean fore arm skin fold thickness (FSFT) was 7.680 mm in alcoholics and 7.840 mm in non-alcoholic. The mean MM was 18.997 in alcoholics and 20.226 in non-alcoholic. Statistical analysis was done by student t-test and P ˂ 0.05 was considered for statistical significance. Parameters such as weight, BMI, FAMA, CFAMA, FSFT, MFAC MAC, and MM were significantly lower in alcoholics than non-alcoholics (P ˂ 0.05). Anthropometric parameter abdominal skin fold thickness (ASFT) was significantly higher in alcoholics than non-alcoholics. Conclusion: Study concludes that anthropometric measurements such as Weight, BMI, FSFT, FAMA, CFAMA, FSFT, MFAC MAC, and MM in alcoholic group were lower than non-alcoholic group. However, significant change was not observed in Height, Body Fat %, biceps skin fold thickness, Forearm length, and fore arm muscle volume. It was also observed that ASFT was higher in the alcoholic group when compared to non-alcoholic group.

The use of anthropometrical variables for detection of homeostatic measurement assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in female participants of a physical exercise program.

The Homeostatic Measurement Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) is a recognized and validated method which uses the levels of fasting glucose in blood and insulin of patients to evaluate the insulin resistance. The purpose of the present study was to assess the cut-off values for anthropological variables to identify the (HOMA-IR) index in female participants of a physical exercise program. In addition, the association and prediction of insulin resistance by anthropological variables was studied. A total of 143 participants (45.64 ± 13.17 years) volunteered for this study. Clinical data were collected by means of a self-reported questionnaire. Body weight and BMI were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis and skinfold thickness was taken using a caliper. Girths were assessed with a flexible metallic tape measures and finally, the HOMA-IR was calculated by the formula as follows: fasting plasma insulin ((μU/ml) x fasting plasma glucose (mmol/L). The outcomes of the study indicated that the AUC of anthropometrical variables for identifying HOMA-IR are reflected primarily in weight, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-thigh ratio, subscapular skinfold thickness, abdominal skinfold thickness, hip circumference, chest circumference, upper arm muscular girths (tensed and relaxed) (all, p ≤ 0.001), triceps skinfold thickness (p 109 cm (specificity: 99.2 waist circumference > 116 cm (specificity: 99.2 %) and abdomen skinfold < 8.8 (specificity: 97.6 %), predict the HOMA-IR in 35.29 %, 29.41 %, 23.53 % and 23.53 %, respectively. The present empirical study demonstrates that hip, chest and waist circumference on the one hand, and abdomen skinfold on the other hand are markers that are relevant to the identification of HOMA-IR index in females (Tab. 3, Ref. 33). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: insulin resistance, anthropometry, cut-off value, women, HOMA-IR.

Associations of maternal soy product consumption and urinary isoflavone concentrations with neonatal anthropometry: A prospective cohort study.

Isoflavones (ISOs) are naturally occurring endocrine-disrupting compounds. Few human studies have evaluated the effects of ISO exposure on neonatal anthropometry. This study aimed to examine the associations of maternal soy product consumption and urinary ISO concentrations, including genistein, daidzein, glycitein, and equol, with neonatal anthropometry, based on a Chinese cohort study. In Shanghai-Minhang Birth Cohort Study, pregnant women at 12-16 weeks of gestation were recruited, and they completed a structured questionnaire to assess soy product consumption during pregnancy. They also provided a single spot urine sample for the ISO assay. Neonatal anthropometric indices (birth weight; arm, waist, and head circumference; and triceps, back, and abdominal skinfold thickness) were measured at birth. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed among the 1188 mother-infant pairs to examine the associations between maternal soy product consumption and neonatal anthropometry. The same statistical model was applied to examine the associations between maternal ISO exposure and neonatal anthropometry among 480 mother-infant pairs. Neonate girls born to mothers who "sometimes" and "frequent" consumed soy products had 169.1g (95% confidence interval [CI],-68.9-407.1) and 256.5g (95% CI, 17.1-495.8) higher birth weight, respectively, than those born to mothers who "never" consumed soy products during pregnancy. We observed consistent associations between higher maternal urine ISO concentrations and increased anthropometric indices (birth weight, arm and waist circumference, and triceps and abdominal skinfold thickness) in neonate girls, while no association was observed among boys. The findings suggested that maternal dietary ISO intake during pregnancy is associated with fetal development in a sex-specific pattern. In addition, follow-up studies are required to evaluate whether the observed changes in anthropometric indices at birth are associated with health conditions later in life.