Body Fat Index Research Articles

ANÁLISE DA COMPOSIÇÃO CORPORAL E APTIDÃO FÍSICA DE ATLETAS PARALÍMPICOS DE RIO BRANCO ACRE

Introduction: Sports training techniques have sparked interest in detailing the physical and physiological characteristics of athletes to prescribe training specifically tailored to their goals. Objective: This study aimed to analyze body composition and its relationship with physical fitness in Paralympic athletes from Rio Branco, Acre. Method: The sample consisted of 33 athletes from the Paralympic Reference Center of Rio Branco, aged between 11 and 54 years, including 20 with intellectual disabilities, 11 with physical disabilities, and 2 with visual disabilities. Measurements included body mass, height, circumferences, and skinfold thickness. Physical performance was evaluated through handgrip strength (using a hydraulic hand dynamometer in kilograms), speed (30-meter test), upper limb power (medicine ball throw test), and maximum oxygen consumption (beep test). Results: Statistical analysis included Pearson’s correlation coefficient and the Kruskal-Wallis test, with significance set at p<0.05, using SPSS software (version 29.0). Body mass index (BMI) and body mass were significantly different between athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities. A negative correlation was observed between aerobic performance (VO2max) and variables such as age (r= -0.441, p= 0.010), BMI (r= -0.590, p<0.001), body mass (r= -0.376, p= 0.031), and body fat index (BFI) (r= -0.688, p<0.001). Additionally, BFI showed a positive correlation with speed performance (r= 0.603, p= 0.001). Conclusion: Body composition significantly influences physical performance variables, indicating that factors such as BMI, body mass, and BFI impact the sports performance of Paralympic athletes.

Body fat variation and redistribution across different stages of life measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

The global obesity epidemic of all ages has increased the demand for accurate management of body fat in each stage of life. The primary aim of this study was to provide reference centiles of body fat indices for Chinese children and adults and compare those with ethnicities from USA using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The samples were drawn from two nationwide cross-sectional surveys of China Body Composition Life-course Study (2013-2023) and the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2018). Age- and sex-specific centile curves were generated for a set of fat measurements, including total fat mass (FM), fat mass index (FMI), body fat percentage (BF%), trunk-to-leg fat ratio (TLR), android-to-gynoid fat ratio (AGR) and visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio (VSR), using the general additive model for location scale and shape method. The age-related variations from childhood to adulthood were generally similar among Chinese, Non-Hispanic Whites, Non-Hispanic Blacks and Mexican American population, with distinct levels across races and ethnicities. For whole-body fat (FM, FMI, and BF%), Mexican American population consistently presented the highest levels before 40 years old, followed by Non-Hispanic White, Non-Hispanic Black and Chinese individuals. For central fats indices, although the TLR and AGR levels in Chinese males were second to Mexican American counterparts in most stages of life, the VSR was much higher in Chinese than other races and ethnicities from eight years old. DXA-based centiles for body fat quantity and distribution in Chinese population aged 3-60 years old were presented, and their differences with other race and ethnicity were noted across periods from early childhood to middle adulthood. Our findings will promote age-, sex- and ethnic-specific assessment of life-course body fat and obesity-related risks in clinical practice.

A Comparative Analysis of Serum Irisin Levels and Body Composition Indices in Women With and Without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Introduction Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine-metabolic disorder impacting women of reproductive age, often manifesting during adolescence. This study aimed to determine serum irisin levels in subjects with PCOS compared to healthy controls and explore the correlation between irisin levels and body composition indices. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Thirty-three women with PCOS and 32 healthy, age-matched controls were recruited. Relevant socio-demographic and clinical data were collected, and body composition was analyzed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Serum irisin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and statistical analysis was performed using CoGuide software (Evidencian Research Associates, Bengaluru, India). Results PCOS subjects exhibited significantly higher levels of clinical features associated with hyperandrogenism, including elevated systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index, waist-hip ratio, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), serum testosterone, body fat percentage, subcutaneous fat percentage, visceral fat percentage, and fat mass index, along with lower high-density lipoprotein levels and lean mass percentage, compared to controls. Serum irisin levels were significantly higher in PCOS cases (10.82 (8.5-14.31) ng/mL) than in controls (2.57 (2.19-4.65) ng/mL). There was a moderate positive correlation between serum irisin and SBP, DBP, hirsutism, total cholesterol, LDL, visceral fat, and serum testosterone levels. Weak correlations were observed between serum irisin and other body fat indices. Subjects with metabolic syndrome exhibited higher irisin levels and significantly elevated body composition indices, including body fat percentage, visceral fat percentage, fat mass index, and fat-free mass index, compared to those without metabolic syndrome. Conclusions PCOS subjects have elevated serum irisin levels, which correlate positively with clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism, total cholesterol, LDL, and visceral fat. These findings suggest that irisin may play a role in the metabolic and hormonal dysregulation observed in PCOS.

The association between food insecurity and obesity, a body shape index and body roundness index among US adults

Research has established a positive association between food insecurity and obesity, typically assessed by body mass index (BMI); However, studies examining the relationship between food insecurity and measures of body fat content and distribution are lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the association between food insecurity and obesity ([BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2) and body fat indicators assessed by body roundness index ([BRI] > 6.72) and a body shape index ([ABSI] > 0.08). This is a cross-sectional study using NHANES data 2007–2020. Household food security was assessed by U.S. Food Security Survey Module questionnaire. Multivariable-adjusted binary logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds ratios and 95% CIs. Compared to those with full food security, the adjusted ORs for obesity were 1.28 (95% CI:1.18, 1.39), 1.40 (95% CI:1.28, 1.53), and 1.43 (95% CI:1.30, 1.57) for those with marginal, low and very low food security, respectively. The corresponding ORs for high BRI were, respectively, 1.39 (95% CI:1.26, 1.52), 1.50 (95% CI:1.36, 1.66), and 1.60 (95% CI:1.43, 1.78). Similar results were observed for ABSI. The analyses of BMI suggested a potential sex difference, as significant associations were found in women, but not in men. This study confirms previous evidence of the positive association between food insecurity and obesity among US adults.

The Different Predictive Effects of Multiple Body Fat Indexes on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease.

The aim of this study was to comprehensively compare the predictive effect of 10 body fat indexes on MAFLD in different sex, age and BMI subgroups. A total of 5403 physical examination data were included and divided into the MAFLD group (N=2632) and non-MAFLD group (N=2771). The differences and correlation of 10 promising indicators between the two groups were compared, including fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), visceral fat index (VAI), cardiometabolic index (CMI), body adiposity index (BAI), and triglyceride-glucose index (TyG), waist circumference index (WC), body mass index (BMI), waist to height ratio (WHtR). Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk of MAFLD under different adjustment conditions. The operating characteristic curve of different genders, BMI levels and age subgroups was plotted. Male gender, smoking, alcohol drinking, and higher age are risk factors for MAFLD. In addition to BAI, the other 9 indicators had a high correlation with MAFLD, the area under the curve (AUC) value was >0.7, and the prediction effect was better in females, BMI<24 kg/m2, age <35 years subgroup, among which FLI (AUC: 0.912, 95% CI: 0.905-0.920), LAP (AUC: 0.894, 95% CI: 0.8866-0.903), and HSI (AUC: 0.881, 95% CI: 0.872-0.890) have better prediction effects. Our study confirmed the accuracy of body fat-related indexes in predicting MAFLD in people of different sexes, ages, and BMI levels. Among them, FLI, LAP and HSI have high predictive value and can be utilized as simple and cost-effective tools for screening MAFLD in clinical settings.

Assessment of the influence of body fat indices on antihypertensive drug responses.

Less than 50% of patients treated for hypertension reach a target office systolic blood pressure (SBP). We aimed to evaluate the role of adiposity on antihypertensive drug responses in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. Estimated glomerular filtration rates, body mass index (BMI), skinfold thickness (SFT), body surface areas and waist circumferences of 150 hypertensive patients naïve to treatment were measured. Treatment protocols were started as combination of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I) plus calcium channel blocker (CCB), angiotensin receptor blocker plus CCB or ACE-I plus diuretic. Pre-treatment and change in blood pressure (ΔBP) after 4weeks treatment were determined. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to find independent predictors of Δblood pressure changes, and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis to find independent predictors of target SBP < 140 mmHg at 4weeks. A total of 104 patients reached the target systolic pressure of <140 mmHg at 4weeks. Triceps, mid-abdomen and subscapular SFT were significantly thicker in the uncontrolled blood pressure group (P = .011, P = .006 and P = .016, respectively). Pretreatment SBP (r = 0.644), pretreatment diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r = 0.188), subscapular SFT (r = -0.318), suprailiac SFT (r = -0.211) and ΔDBP (r = 0.433) were correlated with ΔSBP in correlation analysis. Pretreatment SBP (β = 0.644, 95% CI = 0.697-0.993, P < .001), subscapular SFT (β = -0.253, 95% CI = -0.886--0.329, P < .001), pretreatment DBP (β = -0.380, 95% CI = -0.1001- -0.453, P = .001) and ΔDBP (β = 0.401, 95% CI = 0.377-0.796, P < .001) were independent predictors of ΔSBP in multivariable linear regression analysis. Subscapular SFT was an independent predictor of target SBP < 140 mmHg in multivariable logistic regression analysis (OR = 0.895, 95% CI = 0.832-0.963, P = .003). Subscapular SFT may be a valuable marker for prediction of response to antihypertensive drugs.

Nonlinear relationship between cardiometabolic index and bone mineral density in U.S. adults: the mediating role of percent body fat.

Both lipid metabolism and obesity are crucial factors in osteoporosis, influencing the relevance of the cardiometabolic index (CMI), a new body fat index incorporating obesity and lipid metrics. Our study aims to explore the relationship between CMI and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) and the mediating role of body fat percentage. Utilizing the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011 to 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis. We employed multiple linear regression models, subgroup analyses, generalized additive models (GAM), smooth curve fitting, and mediation analysis to evaluate the linear and nonlinear relationships between CMI and lumbar spine BMD. The study involved 5,124 participants with an average lumbar spine BMD of 1.03 ± 0.15g/cm2. We identified a negative correlation between CMI and lumbar spine BMD (β = -0.015; 95% CI: -0.023, -0.008). Nonlinear associations were evident, with inflection points at CMI values of 1.12 and 2.86. Subgroup analyses showed consistent negative correlations across all categories without significant differences (p for interaction > 0.05). Moreover, body fat percentage negatively correlated with BMD (β = -0.005; 95% CI: -0.006, -0.004) and mediated 9.41% of the relationship between CMI and BMD. Increased CMI levels are associated with lower lumbar spine BMD, with body fat percentage significantly mediating this relationship. This underscores the importance of managing body composition in the context of bone health, highlighting CMI's potential utility in osteoporosis risk assessment.

Effect of high-intensity interval training vs. moderate-intensity continuous training on cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese individuals.

Our study aims to compare the effects of an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs. moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on cardiometabolic risk factors and on serum leptin levels in overweight and obese individuals. Our quasi-experimental study involved 36 students who were assigned to HIIT, MICT or the control group. Using a bicycle ergometer, participants in the HIIT group performed 25 min of HIIT and those in the MICT group performed 35 min of moderate-intensity continuous exercise for three days a week for 8weeks. Body composition estimated by bioimpedance analysis, blood lipids and serum leptin were measured pre-exercise and 8weeks post-exercise. After 8weeks of exercise, the participants in the MICT group showed a significant reduction in weight (p<0.01) and body mass index (BMI) (p<0.05). In the HIIT group, although weight reduction was noticed, the difference was not statistically significant compared to the pre-exercise values. In the control group, participants had a significant increase in their weight, BMI, and total body fat (p<0.05). On performing an inter-group comparison of the magnitude of change in body weight and BMI over 8weeks of exercise, no difference was seen between the HIIT and MICT groups. No difference was observed in body fat indices and levels of random blood glucose, blood lipids and serum leptin pre and 8weeks post-exercise. On comparing the change in body weight and BMI over 8weeks, no significant difference was found between the HIIT and MICT groups. However, HIIT was notably more time efficient.

An Analysis of Body Composition and Physical status of middle aged Women

Background: Body composition and physical status are essential indicators of overall health, especially in middle-aged women. This group often undergoes significant physiological changes due to aging, hormonal shifts, and lifestyle factors, affecting their body composition, including fat mass, lean muscle mass, and bone density. Methodology: A total of 100 women from Varanasi city, comprising both employed individuals and housewives, participated in this study. These women were divided into two groups, each consisting of 100 subjects aged between 35 and 50 years. The selected variables for body composition analysis included total body fat, fat-free mass, bone mass, muscle mass, body mass index, and physical status. Results: The t-test for Equality of Means revealed a significant difference between the groups, t(198) = 1.660, with p-values indicating substantial differences in total body fat (p &lt; .001), fat-free mass (p &lt; .001), bone mass (p &lt; .000), muscle mass (p &lt; .001), and body mass index (p &lt; .001). Furthermore, there was a significant difference in physical activity levels, t(198) = 11.714, p &lt; .001). Conclusion: The study found a considerable difference in body composition parameters between employed women and housewives. Employed women exhibited lower total body fat and BMI, and higher muscle mass, fat-free mass, and bone mass compared to housewives. This suggests that employed women, likely due to more structured schedules and better access to physical exercise, maintain a healthier body composition.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF RABBITS USING DIFFERENT GROWING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE CHERKASSY REGION

According to the results of the study of the process of forming indicators of meat productivity of rabbits of the California and silver breeds (n = 200 heads), which were raised on the farm using retro-keeping technologies (the rabbit farm of the "Rokitchenkov A. P." Cherkassy region) and in the conditions of the industrial type rabbit farm (the rabbit farm of the Cherkassy experimental Station of Bioresources of the NAAS, Cherkassy), a different level of realization of the potential of meat productivity by rabbits was established, both according to the breed and depending on the cultivation technology. It was established that during the entire period of the study, and in particular before slaughter, a probable predominance was noted in young animals, which were raised according to industrial technology, regardless of the breed, the difference when comparing the average values was 165–222 g (р &lt; 0.01). In terms of breed affiliation, animals of the California breed had higher live weight indicators at this age. It was established that the maximum indicators of animal growth were registered for rabbits of the California breed at the age of 60–90 days; for animals of the silver breed, the process of forming the live weight indicator continued until the age of 120 days. The obtained results indicate that rabbits of the meat direction of productivity have higher values of the index of body fatness (63.8–65.5%), which is typical for rabbits of this breed. This indicator is determined by the ratio of chest girth (27.0–27.2 cm) to the length of the trunk (41.5–42.3 cm) and has the following pattern: the larger the length of the trunk, the smaller the index of the whiplash. Among the analog groups, no significant difference was found in terms of the knockdown index in California rabbits. For rabbits of the silver breed, given the higher body length index (45.2–45.2 cm) with a slight difference in the chest girth index (24.7–25.0 cm), the body leanness index was 54.4–55.3%. Based on the results of the study, it was established that the cultivation of rabbits using industrial technology, in our opinion, to a certain extent, neutralizes the effect of negative factors in the surrounding environment and makes it possible to effectively realize the potential of meat productivity.

Rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (R-CHOP) therapy decreases lean body mass and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index even until one year after the final treatment in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Sarcopenia is an independent prognostic factor for several solid cancers, including B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). However, previous reports have measured the parameters of loss of skeletal muscle as sarcopenia only once before chemotherapy and have predicted poor outcomes. In this study, changes in body composition were measured in patients who received rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (R-CHOP) therapy for B-NHL using the InBody 720 analyzer throughout the therapy. Twenty-seven patients who achieved complete remission and survived for one year after the last cycle were included in the study. Body composition was evaluated immediately before initiation and fourth cycle, and one month and one year after the last cycle. Throughout the follow-up period, the lean body mass index (LBMI) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) showed significant transient decreases even one year following the last cycle (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, respectively). Body fat index (BFI) and body fat percentage (BF%) decreased until one month after the last cycle; however, they reached levels higher than the baseline levels, +22.1% and +15.9%, respectively, at 1 year from the last cycle. The loss of skeletal muscle mass did not recover even one year after the last cycle. Interventions in nutritional management are needed to prevent sarcopenia in patients treated with R-CHOP therapy.

Poster 391: Injury Risk Cut-offs for Bone Density and Body Composition in Professional Female Ballet Dancers

Objectives: Female professional ballet performers are a unique population that undergo substantial physiologic stresses related to training, performance, and, at times, reduced energy availability that can result in elevated incidences of injury relative to their male counterparts and, even more so, the general population. However, there are currently no population-specific cut-offs based on dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and body composition (lean mass, LM; fat mass, FM) in relation to injury risk for appropriate screening and identification of those who might benefit from nutritional or activity-based interventions for injury prevention. The objective of this investigation was to develop population-specific DEXA cut-offs for BMD and body composition in professional female ballet performers based on injury risk. Methods: All procedures for this investigation were approved by the IRB. A total of 132 DEXA scans among 48 female professional ballet dancers from a single dance company taken during yearly physicals between 2017-2022 were collected for BMD and body composition (body mass, lean mass, fat mass). The electronic hospital record (EHR) was reviewed for each performer. The year of injury, level of injury, anatomic location, and diagnosis were collected if an injury was identified for the year following DEXA and physical. Level of injury was recorded. The data was de-identified and categorized by gender and year of injury. A female ballet population-matched Z-score was generated for total and regional BMD and body composition measures whereby Zb = (Measure – Ballet Population Measure) / SD of the ballet population. Logistic regression was used to determine Zb-score cut-offs whereby a significant increase in injury metrics (frequency &amp; severity) would occur. Next, a T-test was used to compare injury severity scores between those above and below the cut-off. Chi-square analysis was then used to compare injury level frequencies between those above and below the cut-off. Significance was set at p&lt;0.05 for all analyses. Corresponding BMD and body composition measures to each established Zb cut-off were also calculated. Results: Results are presented in Figure 1. Analysis revealed a strong association between Zb-scores for body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) and increased incidence of level 1 injuries. Weaker associations for Zb-scores for total BMD and total lean mass index (LMI, kgLM/m2) with all-cause injury severity and frequency rates (P&lt;0.05) were also found. For total BMD, a Zb-score threshold of -0.5 was observed to be the point at which injury severity (P=0.039) and frequency of higher-level injuries (Level 2&amp; 3, P&lt;0.05) was observed to significantly increase. This cut-off corresponded to a total BMD value of 1.100 g/cm2. For total LMI, a Zb-score threshold of -0.5 was observed to be the point at which injury severity (P=0.046) and overall injury frequency (P=0.023) was observed to increase. This cut-off corresponded to a total LMI value of 13.86 kgLM/m2. For BMI, a Zb-score threshold of -0.4 was observed to be the point at which injury severity (P=0.047) and frequency of level higher level injuries (&gt;Level 1, P=0.002) was observed to significantly increase. No significant injury cut-offs for % body fat or fat mass index were observed. This cut-off corresponded to a BMI value of 18.40 kg/m2. Conclusions: Reduced total bone density (BMD &lt;1.100 g/cm2), lean mass (LMI &lt; 13.86 kgLM/m2), and body mass (BMI &lt; 18.40 kg/m2) may increase injury risk in elite professional female ballet performers. The cut-offs identified here may be used to better evaluate injury risk (as it pertains to DEXA assessment) in a manner that is specific to this population as opposed to generalizing to general population norms. Investigation remains ongoing regarding male dancers as well as how regional DEXA measures may relate to specific injury locations. The methods used here may also be utilized to find similar body composition and BMD injury risk cut-offs among other athlete populations and may greatly enhance the value of densitometry-based screening.

PRISE EN CHARGE DES PERSONNES ATTEINTES DE TROUBLES MUSCULO SUELETTIQUES ET DE MALADIES CHRONIQUES NON TRANSMISSIBLES PAR DES ACTIVITES PHYSIQUES ADAPTEES SANTE (APS) DURANT LE CONFINEMENT EN PERIODE DE COVID 19 AU SENEGAL

The appearance of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in China, and more specifically in Wuhan, triggered a pandemic, declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020, which rapidly spread around the world, causing several thousand deaths. All countries have taken preventive measures, including containment, which reduces the mobility of populations. Consequently, inactivity among individuals, especially the elderly and women suffering from certain pathologies, further increases the risk of certain non-transmissible chronic diseases, as well as musculoskeletal and cardiovascular disorders. Thus, our study consisted in providing a remedy during the period of relief from restrictive measures or decontainment through a health adapted physical activity program (APAS). Anthropometric variables and musculoskeletal disorders in 11 Senegalese women, all suffering from musculoskeletal disorders and some from chronic non-transmissible diseases (diabetes, sickle-cell anemia AS, osteoarthritis) aged between 31 and 55, were measured before and at the end of a month-long program consisting of treadmill walking combined with muscle-strengthening exercises. Students t-tests performed to compare the mean values of variables measured in our sample before and at the end of the physical activity program revealed no statistically significant differences, although the women showed an absolute reduction in weight, body fat and Body Mass Index, a remarkable reduction in musculoskeletal disorders and a stabilization of chronic non-transmissible diseases.

Redefining Abdominal Contours: An Analysis of Medium Definition Liposuction Abdominoplasty.

This study elucidates the application of Medium Definition Liposuction Abdominoplasty, a novel technique for achieving well-defined abdominal contours. The technique focuses on revealing the patient's inherent muscular volume and form by creating thinner flaps compared to traditional liposuction methodologies. Objective evaluations of the abdominal wall's configuration were systematically executed both pre- and post-intervention for each participant. Digital image measurements facilitated by an image software constituted the basis for these assessments. The Body Fat Index was computed using precise measurements from seven distinct anatomical sites, with two measurements taken at each site and subsequently averaged. Over a span of 63 months, 300 patients underwent this combined procedure, resulting in discernible enhancements in the configuration of their abdominal walls in 97.6% of cases. However, complications such as partial diminution of tension in the muscular wall (2%), distal flap necrosis (0.6%), and minor muscular hernia (0.3%) were observed. The employment of combined muscle plication emerges as an efficacious methodology in meticulously rectifying alterations inherent within the muscular aponeurotic abdominal wall. This technique ensures the preservation of the original anatomical structure and functional dynamics, thereby circumventing the manifestation of local distortions that may arise from inadequate or excessive corrections. The study introduces a novel technique, Medium Definition Liposuction Abdominoplasty, for achieving well-defined abdominal contours. This technique focuses on revealing the patient's inherent muscular volume and form by creating thinner flaps compared to traditional liposuction methodologies. Objective evaluations of the abdominal wall's configuration were systematically executed both pre- and post-intervention for each participant. The Body Fat Index was computed using precise measurements from seven distinct anatomical sites. Over a span of 63 months, 300 patients underwent this combined procedure, resulting in discernible enhancements in the configuration of their abdominal walls in 97.6% of cases. This technique ensures the preservation of the original anatomical structure and functional dynamics, thereby circumventing the manifestation of local distortions that may arise from inadequate or excessive corrections. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A NEW ALGORITHM FOR DIAGNOSING OBESITY BASED ON INDICATORS OF BODY COMPOSITION

Introduction. Body mass index (BMI), which is measured as the ratio of body weight to height squared, is one of the widely used criteria for classifying overweight and obesity. Despite its popularity, BMI is often criticized for not taking into account individual differences in body composition and fat distribution, which can lead to inaccuracies in the classification of the degree of obesity. Aim. To develop and test a somatotype diagnostic algorithm based on the integration and comprehensive analysis of fat content, skeletal muscle mass, and fat distribution. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on a group of 82 men with different indicators of BMI. A developed algorithm was used to diagnose somatotype, which included body fat index (IBF), limb muscle mass index (IASM), and waist circumference to height ratio (WHtR). The results were analyzed and classified according to the defined criteria. Results. The proposed algorithm was tested on a sample of 82 examined men, who were divided into 2 groups depending on BMI. Thanks to our algorithm, it was possible to identify prognostically unfavorable somatotypes characterized by sarcopenia with a central type of fat distribution. These are F1S1C1 and F2S1C1 somatotypes, the total number of which was 9 examined (10.96% of the sample). Approbation of the algorithm was carried out on a group of examined men, confirmed its effectiveness and ability to detect different somatotypes, taking into account complex parameters of the body. Conclusions. Our research algorithm turned out to be a useful tool for somatotype diagnosis, especially in cases where BMI may not accurately reflect the real state of health. Taking into account individual differences in body components such as fat content, skeletal muscle mass and fat distribution, we provide a more accurate classification of somatotype and the possibility of a more individualized approach to treatment and prevention.

Screening Accuracy of BMI for Adiposity Among 8- to 19-Year-Olds.

Although the limitations of BMI have long been recognized, there are recent concerns that it is not a good screening tool for adiposity. We therefore examined the cross-sectional relation of BMI to adiposity among 6923 8- to 19-year-olds in the National Health and Nutrition Survey from 2011 through 2018. Participants were scanned with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Adiposity was expressed as fat mass index (FMI, fat mass kg ÷ m2) and percentage of body fat (%fat). Lean mass was expressed as lean mass index (LMI, lean mass ÷ m2). Regression models and 2 × 2 tables were used to assess the relation of BMI to FMI, %fat, and LMI. Age and BMI accounted (R2) for 90% to 94% of the variability of FMI and LMI in each sex. Associations with %fat were weaker (R2s ∼0.70). We also examined the screening abilities of a BMI ≥ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 95th percentile for high levels of adiposity and LMI. Cut points were chosen so that prevalences of high values of these variables would be similar to that for high BMI. Of participants with a high BMI, 88% had a high FMI, and 76% had a high %fat. Participants with a high BMI were 29 times more likely to have a high FMI than those with lower BMIs; comparable relative risks were 12 for high %fat and 14 for high LMI. Despite its limitations, a high BMI is a very good screening tool for identifying children and adolescents with elevated adiposity.

Analysis of Finger Photo Pulse Plethysmography and Body Composition among Low Back Pain Subjects with Lumbar Disc Degenerative Diseases Diagnosed by MRI Analysis

Lumbar disc degenerative disc disease, accompanied by back pain, is a prominent health concern in society. The purpose of the study was to investigate the connection of arterial stiffness and body composition in the patients suffering low back pain with lumbar disc degenerative disorders. A comparative study was performed on 197 patients, both male and female, between the ages of 30 and 70, who were experiencing low back pain. These patients have undergone magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral region to evaluate the intervertebral disc's nucleus and annulus as well as its signal intensity and height. The Pfirrmann grading method was used to determine the extent of disc degeneration. The statistical analysis revealed no significant link between overall body fat and stiffness index in disc bulging and nerve compression groups. However, the group experiencing nerve compression demonstrated a statistically significant association between visceral fat and reflection index in individuals who were overfat and obese. In addition, there was a notable correlation between PWV and the reflection index of the disc bulging groups. So, whole body fat and PWV had a different impact on disc degeneration. The PWV has a robust positive correlation with both the stiffness index and reflection index. The presence of subcutaneous fat and vascular stiffness may not have any impact on low back pain in patients with disc bulging and nerve compression. Early identification of vascular stiffness and study of body composition serve as initial measures to avoid the progression of disc degeneration.

Integration of a battery of biomarkers to evaluate the health status of field-collected frogs of Leptodactylus luctator living in ecosystems with different anthropogenic disturbances

Amphibians are the most threatened group of vertebrates because they have certain biological and ecological characteristics that make them sensitive to environmental changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health status of field-collected adult frogs of Leptodactylus luctator (Amphibia, Anura) living in sites with different anthropogenic disturbances (florihorticulture, petrochemical industry and sewage discharges) and a reference site without any detectable influence of such activities. To this end, a battery of 21 biomarkers (hematological, biochemical and individual biomarkers) was studied using a multivariate approach that allows us to evaluate the relationship between them and provide information on their usefulness. The frogs at the florihorticulture, petrochemical and sewage discharges sites exhibited several biomarkers far from homeostasis. In addition, we identified 11 of 21 biomarkers that were useful indicators of the health status of the frogs and allowed discrimination between study sites in the following order: lymphocytes (98 %), neutrophils (45 %), hemoglobin (42 %), monocytes (41 %), fat body index (35 %), eosinophils (35 %), hepatosomatic index (33 %), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (32 %), thrombocytes (27 %), catalase in liver (26 %), and GST in liver (26 %). The results suggest that hematological biomarkers contribute the most to site separation, whereas biochemical biomarkers contribute the least. The integral interpretation of the results also allowed us to diagnose the different health status of L. luctator: The frogs from the petrochemical industry were the most negatively affected, followed by the frogs from the sewages discharges and finally the frogs from the florihorticulture and reference sites. This is the first field study with anurans in which so many biomarkers were examined.

Associations of body adiposity index, body mass index, waist circumference, and percentage of body fat in young female Emirati adults.

Body Adiposity Index (BAI), which relies on an individual's hip circumference and height, was proposed as an alternative anthropometric measurement to Body Mass Index (BMI). Although this measure has been validated across different populations, its accuracy in predicting percent body fat (%BF) in the United Arab Emirates has not yet been assessed. The objective of this study was to examine the association between BAI, BMI, Waist Circumference (WC), and %BF in young female Emirati adults and determine the relative accuracy of BAI when predicting %BF. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 95 Emirati women between the ages of 17 and 27. The %BF was measured using the dual-energy X-ray absorption (DXA) scanner. Anthropometric measurements were collected, and BMI and BAI were calculated. BMI and %BF (r = 0.823, p <0.001) showed a greater association than that between BAI and %BF (r = 0.702, p <0.001). A linear regression analysis revealed that BMI was the single best predictor of %BF in the sample (r2 = 0.678, p<0.001). The variation around the regression line for BAI comparisons with %BF (standard error of estimate = 4.879) was greater than BMI comparisons (standard error of estimate = 3.889). BAI was found to significantly underestimate %BF at higher adiposity levels (mean difference = 8.7%). The ROC curve analysis demonstrated that BMI had a higher discriminatory capacity (AUC = 0.891) over WC and BAI. The results demonstrated that BMI was a better predictor of %BF in the sample than BAI and WC. Thus, BMI may be more useful in assessing adiposity in young female Emirati adults than BAI. However, the potential of BAI as an alternative measure of adiposity should continue to be examined.

Comparative study of body mass index and percentage of body fat in the definition of obesity

Comparative study of body mass index and percentage of body fat in the definition of obesity