Amount Of Total Body Fat Research Articles

Obesity, Fat Distribution and Risk of Cancer in Women and Men: A Mendelian Randomisation Study.

Obesity and upper-body fat distribution are independent, cardiometabolic risk factors but whether they also display comparable associations with cancer risk is unknown. We investigated the causal relationships between body mass index (BMI) and BMI-adjusted waist-to-hip ratio (WHRadjBMI) and cancer risk and searched for potential drivers linking these traits to carcinogenesis using two-sample and multivariable Mendelian randomisation. In women, genetically instrumented higher BMI was associated with lower breast (OR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.81-0.93) and higher endometrial (OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.55-1.96) cancer risk whilst WHRadjBMI was associated with higher colon cancer risk (OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.07-1.42). In men, elevated BMI was associated with lower prostate cancer risk (OR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.98). Mechanistically, testosterone and insulin mediated 21% and 35%, respectively of the total, genetically determined association of BMI with endometrial cancer risk whilst HDL cholesterol and IGF-1 mediated 40% and 22%, respectively of the association between BMI and breast cancer risk. In men, testosterone mediated 21% of the association between BMI and prostate cancer risk. Colon cancer aside, the total amount of body fat might be more important than its location in modulating cancer susceptibility due to differential effects of obesity and fat distribution on adiposity-associated cancer drivers.

RF18 | PSAT146 Bone Quality in Lean Adults with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract Purpose Metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises a constellation of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which are thought to be derived from truncal obesity. Adipose tissue can have positive effects on bone density through mechanical stimulation on weight bearing sites and can have hormonal influences which affect bone cells, however in obesity this relationship is inversed as the deleterious effects of excess fat mass predominate. It is unclear how MetS and the regional distribution of fat relate with bone density and bone quality in lean individuals who do not benefit from increased weight bearing. Methods We performed a cross sectional analysis of adults who underwent bone density and body composition by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at a university health system bone clinic, and had laboratory and demographic data available in the electronic medical record. We included adults with BMI below 24.9 kg/m2 in the analysis. Individuals were classified as being metabolically unhealthy lean (MUL) when they fulfilled at least 2 of the following criteria: blood pressure > 130/85, triglyceride >150 mg/dL, HDL < 50 mg/dL for women and < 40 mg/dL for men, fasting plasma glucose >100mg/dL (or HbA1c >=5.7), and metabolically healthy lean (MHL) when they did not fit the criteria. Linear regression was used to evaluate the association of body composition fat parameters with trabecular bone score (TBS), and bone mineral density (BMD) at the total hip (TH). Results Among the 119 (100%) lean adults, 50 (42%) were classified as being MUL. Mean age was 62 ±14 years old and mean BMI was 22 ±1.9kg/m2. The population was mostly white 105 (88%) and 70 (41%) were Hispanics. Additionally, 43 subjects (40%) had a history of a previous fracture. Total body fat was similar between the two groups (mean,%) MHL 33.5, MUL 34.1 (p=0.32), as were age (mean, years) MHL 62.3 vs MUL 62.5 (p=0.48), BMI (mean, kg/m2) MHL 22.2, MUH 22.2 (p=0.49), TH BMD (mean, g/cm2) MHL 0.74, MUL 0.72 (p=0.140) and TBS (mean, unitless) MHL 1.34, MUL 1.33 (p=0.308). However, visceral adipose tissue area (VAT) (mean, cm2) was statistically significantly different between the groups (MHL 69.0, MUL 86.7, p=0.004). In linear regression analyses total body fat had negative association with TBS (B=-0.44, p<0.001) and TH BMD (B= -0.37, p<0.001) while VAT had negative association with TBS (B=-0.26, p=0.02) but not TH BMD (B=-0.17, p=0.08). Conclusion In our sample of older lean individuals body fat distribution varied by classification of metabolic health. Total body fat amount was associated with decreasing bone density and quality, while higher truncal fat as measured by VAT area was associated with decreasing bone quality. Our findings suggest that excess body fat may have deleterious effects on bone health even in lean individuals Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Sunday, June 12, 2022 1:06 p.m. - 1:11 p.m.

Falciform fat:femur length ratio provides a novel method for objective postmortem estimation of total body fat in overweight and obese cats.

Determination of the nutritional condition, including estimation of amounts of total body fat (tBF), at routine postmortem examination of cats is typically based on subjective visual assessment. Subjective assessment may result in uncertainties regarding degree of overweight, and objective methods that provide a numerical value reflecting the tBF could be valuable to accurately judge excess body fat. We investigated if the falciform fat pad weight (FFPW) was correlated to tBF and could be used to detect overweight and obesity in cats. The FFPW and the femur length (FL) were recorded at postmortem examination in 54 cats and the FFPW:FL ratio (FFR) calculated. Each cat was additionally assigned to a fat category (FC) according to subjective assessment. Computed tomography was used to determine tBF as the body fat percentage (%BF), the body fat volume (BFV), and BFV normalized to animal size (nBFV) in 39 cats. There was strong correlation between the FFPW and the BFV (r = 0.888) and between the FFR and the nBFV (r = 0.897). The correlation between the nBFV and %BF was very strong (r = 0.974). Using a lower FFR cutoff value of 3.5 for obesity and 1.6 for overweight, there was a discrepancy in FC between using the FFR and subjective assessment in 6 of 54 cats (11%). We conclude that the FFPW increases proportionally with tBF and that the FFR provides a method for objective tBF estimation. We suggest introducing the FFR to feline postmortem examination protocols as an objective estimate of tBF.

Effect of dietary carbohydrate and fat supplementation on the yield and chemical composition of fillet and the location of fat deposition in striped catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus), African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and snakehead (Channa striata)

This study compared three different fish species, striped catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus), African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and snakehead (Channa striata), regarding the effect of dietary macronutrient composition on: 1. the fillet yield and the fillet chemical composition; 2. the location of fat deposition within the body (fillet, liver, viscera or rest fraction). The selected species were studied for the development of net energy formulas, in three different studies. The design of these studies and especially the diet formulation were similar. Diets were formulated according to a 2 × 2 factorial design: with or without extra carbohydrates supplementation; and with or without extra fat supplementation. Fillet yield of striped catfish (P. hypophthalmus), African catfish (C. gariepinus) and snakehead (C. striata) was not affected by the dietary macronutrient composition. Fillet fat and protein contents were changed by the dietary macronutrient composition. In all compartments (liver, viscera, fillet and the rest fraction), both dietary fat and dietary carbohydrates levels increased the fat content. The response to dietary carbohydrates in snakehead, a lowering of fillet fat content, is opposite to the response in both catfish species. The distribution of the total amount of body fat over the different compartments, was not influenced by dietary carbohydrates level, but did depend on dietary fat level. Dietary fat supplementation led to relatively more fat in viscera and fillet but less fat was stored in the rest fraction. In striped catfish (P. hypophthalmus), African catfish (C. gariepinus) and snakehead (C. striata), most of the body fat is stored in the rest fraction (head, skin, subcutaneous fat, scales, bones and air bladders).

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.

The effect of changes in total body fat amount and abdominal fat ratio on lung function decline in healthy adults

Purpose: Many studies have shown that obesity is one of the major causes of lung function decline. However, a longitudinal study of the correlation between changes in obesity degree and lung function is still lacking. This study aimed to analyze alterations in lung function according to changes in body and abdominal fat amount over time in healthy individuals. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of individuals who received annual health screening was performed. Individuals who under went health screening at least 3 times with follow-up periods more than 5 years were included. Using a linear mixed model, we ana lyzed associations between the change in total body fat amount/abdominal fat ratio and lung function decline over time by divid ing each quartile according to the fat change rate. Results: A total of 15,484 individuals over 40 years old was enrolled prospectively. A longitudinal increase in total body fat amount over time was associated with a predicted value of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1p; %) and predicted value of forced vi tal capacity (FVCp; %) declines, regardless of sex. A similar phenomenon was observed between an increase in abdominal fat ratio and FEV1p/FVCp decline, which was predominant in males. In addition, the change in abdominal fat ratio showed a significant cor relation with differences in the initial values of FEV1p and FVCp after 40 years old. Conclusion: Increases in total body fat amount and abdominal fat ratio may cause lung function decline over time. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2021;9:171-179)

An Investigation of the Relationship between Anthropometry (Height, Weight, and Body Mass Index) and Incidence of Low Back Pain Following Spinal Anesthesia in Elective and Emergency Surgical Procedures

Background: The incidence of low back pain in adults after spinal anesthesia is rather similar to that of general anesthesia. The pain is often mild with an increased incidence of low back pain that rarely spreads to the lower extremities but persists for several days after surgery. Fear of complications of back pain after neuraxial injection is one the main reason for patient’s refusal of neuraxial anesthesia. Some studies repoted obesity and BMI above 32 as risk factors for low back pain after surgery. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between selected parameters of body composition, including the amount of total body fat and muscular tissue, and the incidence of low back pain after spinal anesthesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 patients who were candidates for elective or emergency surgery under spinal anesthesia. At first demographic data, a history of back pain and assessment and anthropometric assessment was asked. The history of back pain and intensity of pain were asked after one day, one month and 4 months after surgery. Then the relationship between pain intensity and anthropometric data were assessed. Results: The mean pain intensity in the normal weight group was 1.3 ± 0.63. In the overweight group, the mean pain intensity was 1.1 ± 0.41. In the obese group, the mean pain intensity was 2.2± 1.2. Regarding the relationship between mean pain intensity and weight, BMI, and anthropometry, the incidence of pain was not related to patients' anthropometry; the mean pain intensity of these groups were compared; and the incidence of pain was not dependent on weight, BMI, and anthropometry (p-value= 0.4). Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that no correlation exists between the incidence of low back pain and mean severity of pain and anthropometric indicators such as BMI, however, low back pain lasted longer in obese patients, which requires further study to investigate the exact nature of such a relationship.

Using body mass index ignores the intensive training of elite special force personnel.

Body mass index is a common and well-known measure in daily life. A body mass index higher than 25 is assumed to be an indicator for overweight and obesity and a high amount of total body fat. But body mass index overestimates body fat in subjects with high muscle mass and underestimates it in persons with a low lean body mass, especially in elderly and diseased persons. In the present study, we investigate the performance of the body mass index as a measure of body fatness and its ability to distinguish between well-trained and untrained subjects. Twenty-one well-trained male members of a police task force named “Cobra” and 38 non-active controls, matched by age, weight and height were participants of the study. The age range of these subjects was between 30 and 45 years. Subcutaneous adipose tissue thicknesses and body fat distributions were measured non-invasively by an optical device named the “Lipometer.” Statistics were performed with SPSS. We found that the body mass index did not show a difference between the two groups, whereas all Lipometer results were able to discriminate significantly between the trained and untrained subjects. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was calculated and all Lipometer measurements provided significant results up to a correct classification of all subjects of 86.4%, which was for the lateral thigh body site. In conclusion, the body mass index was not able to recognize the difference between trained and untrained participants, while body fat distribution measured with the Lipometer was able to distinguish more clearly the large body fat differences between these two groups. Impact statement Body mass index (BMI) is a common measure of body fatness but overestimates body fat in subjects with high muscle mass. We have developed previously a device named “Lipometer,” an alternative way to measure body fatness. We show herein that the Lipometer is able to distinguish more clearly (than the BMI) the large body fat differences between well-trained and untrained subjects. Thus, the Lipometer is superior to BMI with respect to body fat measurements.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its associations among adolescents in an urban, Sri Lankan community

BackgroundNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common problem across the world. We aimed to determine the prevalence of NAFLD and its associations in Sri Lankan adolescents living in an urban Sri Lankan community.MethodThe study population consisted of the birth cohort of the year 2000, residing in the Ragama Medical Officer of Health area. Socio-demographic and anthropometric data [anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and total body fat distribution] of these adolescents were collected by trained data collectors. Fasting blood sugar, serum insulin, fasting serum lipids and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were measured and an abdominal ultrasound was performed. NAFLD was diagnosed on established ultrasound criteria for fatty liver and absent alcohol consumption.ResultsThe study sample consisted of 499 adolescents [263 (51.8%) girls]. Forty two (8.4%) had NAFLD. NAFLD was significantly associated with being breast fed for less than 4 months (33.3% vs. 17.1 in controls, p = 0.02), higher waist circumference (prevalence risk ratio 83.3/20.3, 4.1, p < 0.0001), higher body mass index (prevalence risk ratio 40.5/4.8, 8.4, p < 0/0001),higher HOMA-IR (3.7 vs. 1.9, p < 0.0001) and high triglycerides (prevalence risk ratio 14.3/5.8, 2.5, p = 0.033). Adolescents with NAFLD also had a higher amount of total body fat (p < 0.001) and subcutaneous fat (p < 0.001) than those without NAFLD. The number of children with metabolic derangements was higher among adolescents with NAFLD than those without (85.8 vs 26.3 in controls, p < 0.0001), but a family history of hypertension, diabetes, myocardial infarction or dyslipidaemia were not.ConclusionPrevalence of NAFLD was high in Sri Lankan adolescents, and was associated with metabolic derangements, especially obesity, insulin resistance and early cessation of breast feeding.

Apolipoprotein B polymorphism distribution among a sample of obese Egyptian females with visceral obesity and its influence on lipid profile.

BackgroundRegional distribution of adipose tissue is more important than total amount of body fat in predicting complications associated with obesity. Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) plays a central role in lipid metabolism.AimTo investigate the importance of the XbaI polymorphism of Apo B gene (C7673T) as risk factor for visceral obesity and its influence on lipid profile.Subjects and methodsTotal of 122 obese adult females (BMI ⩾ 30 kg/m2): 56 of them with visceral obesity (⩾7 cm by abdominal Ultrasound) and 66 without visceral obesity and 36 age matched non-obese (BMI ⩽ 25 kg/m2) without visceral obesity were studied. Anthropometric assessment, body composition, visceral obesity and lipid profile evaluation were attempted. Genetic analysis of Apo B XbaI was performed using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).ResultsVisceral obesity was associated significantly with the presence of the heterozygous (CT) genotype of the XbaI Apo B gene (p < 0.001). Frequency of homozygous (CC) was significantly the least genotype found in females with visceral obesity, while homozygote (TT) genotype was more frequent in those without visceral obesity. T allele (about 70%) was more frequent than C allele (about 30%) in all groups. Significant lowest values of visceral obesity, triglyceride and HDL-C were associated with the presence of (CC) genotype and the highest values were associated with the presence of the heterozygous (CT) genotype; except HDL-C with (TT) genotype.ConclusionsStudy reveals considerable association of Apo B XbaI gene polymorphism with visceral obesity and some lipid profile parameters (TG and HDL-C) among Egyptian females.

Chronic ephedrine administration decreases brown adipose tissue activity in a randomised controlled human trial: implications for obesity.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation increases energy expenditure and may have therapeutic potential to combat obesity. The primary activating and adaptive signal for BAT is via β-adrenergic signalling. We previously demonstrated that human BAT is acutely responsive to oral administration of the sympathomimetic, ephedrine. Here we aimed to determine whether adaptive thermogenesis can be induced via chronic treatment with ephedrine. Twenty-three healthy young men, recruited from the general public in Melbourne, Australia, who were non-smokers, physically inactive and non-medicated with no prior history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes were recruited for this study. They were assigned to receive either 1.5mgkg(-1)day(-1) ephedrine ('active' group; n = 12, age 23 ± 1years, BMI 24 ± 1kg/m(2)) or placebo (n = 11; 22 ± 2years, 23 ± 2kg/m(2)) for 28days in a randomised (computer-generated random order sequence), placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. Participants and all investigators were blinded to treatments. Body composition was measured before and after the intervention by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. BAT activity, measured via (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography, in response to a single dose of 2.5mg/kg ephedrine, was the primary outcome measure to be determined before and after the 28day treatment period. Twenty-eight individuals were randomised and consented to the study. Twenty-three completed the trial and only these participants were included in the final analyses. After 28days of treatment, the active group lost a significant amount of total body fat (placebo 1.1 ± 0.3kg, ephedrine -0.9 ± 0.5kg; p < 0.01) and visceral fat (placebo 6.4 ± 19.1g, ephedrine -134 ± 43g; p < 0.01), with no change in lean mass or bone mineral content compared with the placebo group. In response to acute ephedrine, BAT activity (change in mean standardised uptake value: placebo -3 ± 7%, ephedrine -22 ± 6%) and the increase in systolic blood pressure were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the active group compared with placebo. Chronic ephedrine treatment reduced body fat content, but this was not associated with an increase in BAT activity. Rather, chronic ephedrine suppressed BAT glucose disposal, suggesting that chronic ephedrine treatment decreased, rather than increased, BAT activity. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02236962 FUNDING: This study was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia Program Grant (1036352) and the OIS scheme from the Victorian State Government.

Assessment of body composition using bioelectrical impedance in patients with schizophrenia – preliminary report

Aim of the studyMetabolic syndrome is found in ~40% of patients treated with antipsychotics and abdominal obesity plays a crucial role in its development. The aim of this study is to evaluate body composition in subjects with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotics.Subject or material and methodsAnthropometric (BMI, abdominal, waist, leg and hip circumferences), laboratory (glucose, lipid profile) and body composition (body fat, lean mass, body water) were measured in 77 patients with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotics.ResultsCentral obesity in women was found in &gt;90% and was more frequent comparing to men (p = 0.04). Incidence of dyslipidemia (~80%) and abnormal body weight (~70%) was also high, while impaired level of blood glucose was less frequent (~25%). Women had more body fat (39.2±1.4 vs. 27.7±1.3, p &lt;0.001) and less lean mass and body water. Amounts of excessive body weight and fat were higher in women (13.4±2.1 vs. 8.2±1.5, p = 0.02 and 7.9±1.3 vs. 3.2±1.2, p = 0.008). Percentages of women with weight and body fat exceeding target maximums were higher (96.4% vs. 79.6%, p = 0.04 and 89.3% vs. 67.3%, p = 0.03).DiscussionTreatment with antipsychotics is associated with severe metabolic side-effects. High frequency of abdominal obesity, excessive weight and increased amount of total body fat make women more susceptible to cardiovascular events, thus carefully monitored is required. Assessment of body composition using BIA is an easy and quick method of improving daily psychiatric care.ConclusionsPatients treated with antipsychotics require careful monitoring using available algorithms.

The Association of vitamin D status and fasting glucose according to body fat mass in young healthy Thais

BackgroundExisting inconclusive data on the relationship between vitamin D status and human glucose homeostasis suggests that other factors, such as adiposity, might influence this relationship. The present study aimed to investigate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in the context of different amounts of total body fat in a healthy community-based population in Bangkok, Thailand.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was a part of health survey of employees of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. There were 1,990 healthy subjects (72.8% male) in this study. Total body fat was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Total serum 25(OH)D, 25(OH)D3 and 25(OH)D2 were measured by LC-MS/MS.ResultsAge (r = 0.134, p < 0.001) and FPG (r = 0.089, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with 25(OH)D levels, while total body fat mass (r = -0.049, p = 0.03) were negatively correlated with 25(OH)D levels. 25(OH)D levels were higher in males than in females (65.0 ± 0.5 vs. 53.5 ± 0.5 nmol/L, p < 0.001). After controlling for age, gender and total fat mass, FPG was no longer correlated with 25(OH)D. However, when subjects were stratified according to fat-free mass tertiles and controlled for age and gender, there was a positive, although weak association between 25(OH)D levels and FPG (p = 0.01) in the lowest tertile.ConclusionsWe therefore speculate that adiposity might influence the relationship of vitamin D status and FPG.

Global Adiposity and Thickness of Intraperitoneal and Mesenteric Adipose Tissue Depots Are Increased in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Sexual dimorphism suggests a role for androgens in body fat distribution. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a mainly androgen excess disorder, often present with abdominal obesity and visceral adiposity. We hypothesized that women with PCOS have a masculinized body fat distribution favoring the deposition of fat in visceral and organ-specific adipose tissue depots. This was a case-control study. The study was conducted at an academic hospital. Women with PCOS (n = 55), women without androgen excess (n = 25), and men (n = 26) presenting with similar body mass index participated in the study. There were no interventions. Ultrasound measurements of adipose tissue depots including sc (minimum and maximum), preperitoneal, ip, mesenteric, epicardial, and perirenal fat thickness were obtained and total body fat mass was estimated using a body fat monitor. Men and patients with PCOS had increased amounts of total body fat compared with control women. Men had increased thickness of intraabdominal adipose tissue depots compared with the control women, with the women with PCOS showing intermediate values that were also higher than those of control women in the case of ip and mesenteric fat thickness and was close to reaching statistical significance in the case of epicardial fat thickness. Women with PCOS also showed increased minimum sc fat thickness compared with the control women. Obesity increased the thickness of all of the adipose tissue depots in the 3 groups of subjects. Women with PCOS have higher global adiposity and increased amounts of visceral adipose tissue compared with control women, especially in the ip and mesenteric depots.

Relative fat distribution in relation to menarcheal status among Bengalee Hindu girls of West Bengal, India

Background:Menarche seems be related to the relative distribution rather than the total amount of body fat. Previous studies showed that the ratio between lower-body vs. upper-body fat was associated with the timing of menarche.Aim:To compare the relative distribution of subcutaneous fat among Bengali Hindu pre- and post-menarcheal girls.Materials and Methods:The participants were 234 Bengali Hindu girls aged 11-14 years: 111 pre-menarcheal and 123 post-menarcheal girls, randomly selected from a secondary school from a suburb of Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Triceps, abdominal, sub-scapular, and calf skinfolds were measured. For each skinfold site, ratio was calculated as follows: Log (one skinfold/sum of skinfolds). Principal components (PC) analysis was performed to derive components which express the maximum contrast among the log of ratios. T-test was employed to assess differences between individual scores of components between pre- and post-menarcheal girls.Results:The three identified PC suggested extremities-trunk, lower trunk-upper trunk, and an upper extremity-lower extremity contrasts, respectively. Scores for second and third components showed significant differences between pre- and post-menarcheal groups of girls.Conclusion:The attainment of menarche by Bengali girls aged 11-14 years was associated with characteristically more relative subcutaneous fat distribution in the upper trunk and in the lower limbs, in contrast to lower trunk and upper limbs, respectively.

Plasma amino acid profile is associated with visceral fat accumulation in obese Japanese subjects.

What is already known about this subject • Asians with metabolic complications associated with obesity, a low body mass index and a low waist circumference have a greater proportion of visceral adipose tissue for a given amount of total body fat compared with Europeans. • Apparent obese humans and obese animal models show an elevation of branched-chain amino acid levels in plasma. • A multivariate logistic regression model of plasma free amino acids has been used to screen for several types of cancers in clinical settings. What this study adds • A specific formula incorporating six amino acid values (Ala, Gly, Glu, Trp, Tyr and branched-chain amino acid) was developed for discrimination of subjects with high visceral fat area by multivariate logistic regression analyses. • The generated amino acid formula was strongly correlated with visceral fat area in both apparent and non-apparent obese subjects. • Measuring plasma free amino acids can be used to distinguish the non-apparent visceral obesity in clinical settings in Asian populations. Metabolic complications associated with obesity are becoming more common among Japanese subjects. However, visceral fat accumulation is not always apparent by measuring body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference in Asian populations because of the physiological characteristics particular to those ethnicities. Excess visceral fat accumulation raises the odds ratio for developing cardiovascular disease. Thus, high-throughput determination of the amount of abdominal adipose tissue is necessary. We hypothesized that accumulating visceral fat alters the peripheral amino acid profile and that a multivariate logistic regression model of plasma free amino acids can distinguish visceral obesity. A total of 1449 Japanese subjects (985 males and 464 females) who had undergone a comprehensive health screening were enrolled in this study. The visceral fat area was determined using computed tomography imaging, and a plasma free amino acid index to identify high visceral fat areas (≥100 cm(2) ) was developed. The sensitivity and specificity values of the generated amino acid index were 80% and 65%, respectively. In particular, the sensitivity of the generated index to identify subjects with non-apparent visceral obesity (BMI < 25 kg m(-2) ; visceral fat area ≥ 100 cm(2) ) was much greater than that of the waist circumference (73% vs. 46%, respectively). This index's high sensitivity and specificity may be the result of specific alterations in the patients' amino acid profiles, which were specifically correlated with the visceral fat areas and not with subcutaneous fat areas. This profile can be used as a predictor of elevated visceral obesity and a risk assessment tool for metabolic complications in Asian populations.

Charts Based on Body Mass Index and Waist-to-Height Ratio to Assess the Health Risks of Obesity: A Review

This review focuses on the rationale behind the charts that have been used as public health tools to assess the health risks of obesity, with special emphasis on where the boundary values are placed. A chart based on body mass index (BMI) was introduced in the 1980s to replace Tables of best weights for heights and this BMI chart (based on adult weight for height) is still very much in use today. Although the importance of the distribution of body fat, as opposed to the total amount of body fat, in determining health risks of obesity was first suggested in the 1940s, it was not until the mid 1990s that a chart based on Shape was suggested. The Ashwell ® Shape Chart was based on the use of waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) as a proxy for abdominal obesity. The chart contains three boundary values for WHtR: 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6; originally set on pragmatic decisions. Substantial evidence from a recent systematic review now supports the global boundary value WHtR of 0.5 for Consider Action. WHtR of 0.6 has been proposed for Take Action. An exciting prospect is that the same Shape Chart might be used to assess risk for adults and children in several ethnic groups. Use of the Shape Chart could also improve the efficiency for screening for cardiometabolic risk and could provide substantial cost savings in terms of obesity treatment. The public health message could not be simpler: Keep your waist circumference to less than half your height.

Impact of body composition, fat distribution and sustained weight loss on cardiac function in obesity

BackgroundObesity is associated with alterations in left ventricular function varying along with the degree of fatness, but the mechanisms underlying this co-variation are not clear. In a case–control study we examined how sustained weight losses affect cardiac function and report on how body composition and fat distribution relate to the left ventricular performance. MethodsAt the 10-year follow-up of the Swedish obese subjects (SOS) study cohort we identified 44 patients with sustained weight losses after bariatric surgery (surgery group) and 44 matched obese control patients who remained weight stable (obese group). We also recruited 44 matched normal weight subjects (lean group). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, computed tomography and echocardiography were performed to evaluate body composition, fat distribution and cardiac function. ResultsBMI was 42.5kg/m2, 31.5kg/m2 and 24.4kg/m2 for the obese, surgery and lean groups respectively. Increasing degree of obesity was associated with larger left ventricular volumes (p<0.001), higher cardiac output (p<0.001), reduced systolic myocardial velocity (p<0.001) and impaired ventricular relaxation (p=0.015). In multivariate analyses, left ventricular volume, stroke volume and cardiac output primarily associated with lean body mass, whereas blood pressure, heart rate and variables reflecting cardiac dysfunction were more related to total body fat and visceral adiposity. ConclusionObesity is associated with discrete but distinct disturbances in the left ventricular performance appearing to be related to both the total amount of body fat and degree of visceral adiposity. Patients with sustained weight losses display superior left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions as compared with their obese counterparts remaining weight stable.

Comparison of methods to assess body fat in non-obese six to seven-year-old children

Different non-invasive methods exist to evaluate total body fat in children. Most methods have shown to be able to confirm a high fat percentage in children with overweight and obesity. No data are available on the estimation of total body fat in non-obese children. The aim of this study is to compare total body fat, assessed by different methods in non-obese children. We compared total body fat, assessed by isotope dilution, dual energy X-ray, skinfold thickness, bioelectrical impedance analysis, combination of these methods as well as BMI in 30 six to seven-year-old children. The children had a mean BMI of 16.01kg/m(2) (range 13.51-20.32) and five children were overweight according to international criteria. Different methods showed rather different absolute values for total body fat. Bland-Altman analysis showed that the difference between the DEXA method and isotope dilution was dependent on the fat percentage. Children with the same BMI show a marked variation in total body fat ranging from 8% to 22% as estimated from the isotope dilution method. Non-invasive methods are presently not suited to assess the absolute amount of total body fat in 6-7 years old children.

Variable Contributions of Fat Content and Distribution to Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors

Previous reports indicate that both distribution and amount of body fat confers susceptibility to metabolic syndrome. However, the relative contributions of these two different parameters of body fat to the various components of the metabolic syndrome have not been well defined. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure and compare the relative amounts of total body fat, truncal fat, and lower body fat in a representative sample of 2587 black, white, and Hispanic men and women from the Dallas Heart Study (DHS). The relationships among these variables and fasting plasma levels of lipids, glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and leptin as well as blood pressure were analyzed. Beyond total body fat, fat distribution had the greatest impact on plasma triglycerides in all subjects and on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in women only. An intermediate effect of fat distribution was observed for homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and for blood pressure. Plasma CRP levels were much more sensitive to body fat content than to body fat distribution and leptin levels were determined almost exclusively by body fat content. Although there were minor differences among the different ethnic groups, the major relationship patterns between these variables were similar. For most metabolic risk factors, both body fat content and distribution independently contributed to levels, although significant differences were seen between the relative contributions of each variable to individual risk factors.