Measures Of Body Fat Distribution Research Articles

Association between body fat distribution and asthma in adults: results from the cross-sectional and bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

Many studies define obesity based on body mass index (BMI) and explore its relationship with adult asthma. However, BMI only considers height and weight, ignoring other factors such as body fat, which may have a greater impact on health. We investigated the relationship between body fat distribution and adult asthma using both a cross-sectional study and bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Weighted logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between body fat distribution measurements and adult asthma in the cross-sectional study from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves were employed to explore the dose-response relationship between them. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main method of MR analysis to explore the causal effect of exposure on outcome. After adjusting for all covariates, weighted logistic regression analysis indicated that fat mass in the left arm, left leg, right arm, right leg, trunk, and total body is associated with an increased risk of developing adult asthma (p < 0.05). RCS curves showed that all six fat mass indicators exhibit a J-shaped relationship with adult asthma. Forward MR analysis found a causal effect of six fat mass indicators on the increased risk of adult asthma (p < 0.05). However, reverse MR did not reveal any causal effect of adult asthma on these six fat mass indicators (p > 0.05). Our study supports a positive correlation and a unidirectional causality between body fat distribution measurements and the risk of adult asthma. Further studies are needed to validate our findings.

Regional fat distribution and hepatic fibrosis and steatosis severity in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes.

Epidemiologic findings suggest that measures of body fat distribution predict health outcomes independent of the overall body fat assessed by body mass index (BMI). This study aimed to evaluate the associations of overall and regional body fat with the severity of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in type 2 diabetic patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Bioelectric impedance analysis and two newly developed anthropometric indices, namely, A Body Shape Index (ABSI) and Body Roundness Index (BRI), were used to estimate the body fat. Based on fibroscan parameters, significant hepatic fibrosis and severe steatosis were defined as ≥F2 and >66%, respectively. Higher total body fat (odds ratio [OR] 1.107, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.038-1.182, p=0.002), trunk fat (OR 1.136, 95% CI 1.034-1.248, p=0.008) and leg fat (OR 1.381, 95% CI 1.139-1.674, p=0.001) were associated with liver fibrosis. However, in contrast to the total body fat (OR 1.088, 95% CI 1.017-1.164, p=0.014) and leg fat (OR 1.317, 95% CI 1.066-1.628, p=0.011), the trunk fat was not associated with severe hepatic steatosis. BRI performed better than trunk, leg and total body fat in predicting hepatic steatosis (OR 2.186, 95% CI 1.370-3.487, p=0.001) and fibrosis (OR 2.132, 95% CI 1.419-3.204, p<0.001). Moreover, the trunk to leg fat ratio and ABSI were not independent predictors of either steatosis or fibrosis (p>0.05). BRI revealed a superior predictive ability for identifying the degree of hepatic steatosis and stiffness than other obesity indices. Additionally, higher levels of adiposity in the trunk, legs, and overall body were linked to an increased risk of developing liver fibrosis. Although trunk fat did not show an association with severe hepatic steatosis, an increase in leg and total fat was related to liver steatosis.

The effect of hyperlipidemia and body fat distribution on subclinical left ventricular function in obesity: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study

BackgroundObesity is often associated with multiple comorbidities. However, whether obese subjects with hyperlipidemia in the absence of other complications have worse cardiac indices than metabolically healthy obese subjects is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effect of hyperlipidemia on subclinical left ventricular (LV) function in obesity and to evaluate the association of cardiac parameters with body fat distribution.Materials and methodsNinety-two adults were recruited and divided into 3 groups: obesity with hyperlipidemia (n = 24, 14 males), obesity without hyperlipidemia (n = 25, 13 males), and c ntrols (n = 43, 25 males). LV strain parameters (peak strain (PS), peak diastolic strain rate (PDSR), peak systolic strain rate) derived from cardiovascular magnetic resonance tissue tracking were measured and compared. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer was used to measure body fat distribution. Correlations of hyperlipidemia and body fat distribution with LV strain were assessed by multivariable linear regression.ResultsObese individuals with preserved LV ejection fraction showed lower global LV longitudinal, circumferential, and radial PS and longitudinal and circumferential PDSR than controls (all P < 0.05). Among obese patients, those with hyperlipidemia had lower longitudinal PS and PDSR and circumferential PDSR than those without hyperlipidemia (− 12.8 ± 2.9% vs. − 14.2 ± 2.7%, 0.8 ± 0.1 s−1 vs. 0.9 ± 0.3 s−1, 1.2 ± 0.2 s−1 vs. 1.4 ± 0.2 s−1; all P < 0.05). Multivariable linear regression demonstrated that hyperlipidemia was independently associated with circumferential PDSR (β = − 0.477, P < 0.05) in obesity after controlling for growth differences, other cardiovascular risk factors, and central fat distribution. In addition, android fat had an independently negative relationship with longitudinal and radial PS (β = − 0.486 and β = − 0.408, respectively; all P < 0.05); and visceral fat was negatively associated with longitudinal PDSR (β = − 0.563, P < 0.05). Differently, gynoid fat was positively correlated with circumferential PS and PDSR and radial PDSR (β = 0.490, β = 0.481, and β = 0.413, respectively; all P < 0.05).ConclusionHyperlipidemia is independently associated with subclinical LV diastolic dysfunction in obesity. Central fat distribution (android and visceral fat) has a negative association, while peripheral fat distribution (gynoid fat) has a positive association on subclinical LV function. These results suggest that appropriate management of hyperlipidemia may be beneficial for obese patients, and that the differentiation of fat distribution in different regions may facilitate the precise management of obese patients.Clinical trials registration Effect of lifestyle intervention on metabolism of obese patients based on smart phone software (ChiCTR1900026476).

The causal association between body fat distribution and risk of abdominal wall hernia: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Obesity and a high body mass index (BMI) are considered as risk factors for abdominal wall hernia (AWH). However, anthropometric measures of body fat distribution (BFD) seem to be better indicators in the hernia field. This Mendelian randomization analysis aimed to generate more robust evidence for the impact of waist circumstance (WC), body, trunk, arm, and leg fat percentages (BFP, TFP, AFP, LFP) on AWH. A univariable MR design was employed and the summary statistics allowing for assessment were obtained from the genome-wide association studies (GWASs). An inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was applied as the primary analysis, and the odds ratio value was used to evaluate the causal relationship between BFD and AWH. None of the MR-Egger regression intercepts deviated from null, indicating no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy (p > 0.05). The Cochran Q test showed heterogeneity between the genetic IVs for WC (p = 0.005; p = 0.005), TFP (p < 0.001; p < 0.001), AFP-L (p = 0.016; p = 0.015), LFP-R (p = 0.012; p = 0.009), and LFP-L (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Taking the IVW random-effects model as gold standard, each standard deviation increment in genetically determined WC, BFP, TFP, AFP-R, AFP-L, LFP-R, and LFP-L raised the risk of AWH by 70.9%, 70.7%, 56.5%, 69.7%, 78.3%, 87.7%, and 72.5%, respectively. This study proves the causal relationship between AWH and BFD, attracting more attention from BMI to BFD. It provides evidence-based medical evidence that healthy figure management can prevent AWH.

Central Body Fat Distribution and Kidney Function after Living Kidney Donation.

In most screening guidelines, high body mass index (BMI) is considered a contraindication for kidney donation. New insights suggest that central body fat distribution might provide greater power in assessing kidney risk. This study aimed to determine whether BMI and central body fat distribution measures are associated with long-term kidney function after donor nephrectomy. We hypothesized that higher BMI, waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were associated with lower kidney function long term after donation. The study population consisted of living kidney donors. BMI, WC, and WHtR were measured during donor screening. The outcome postdonation kidney function was assessed using measured GFR (mGFR) (mGFR, 125 I-iothalamate infusion) at 3 months ( n =1042), 5 years ( n =556), and 10 years ( n =210) of follow-up. Primary multivariable linear regression analyses were performed with BMI and WC and secondary analyses with WHtR. Linear mixed models were performed to investigate change in postdonation eGFR. The donor age was 52±11 years, and 48% were male. The mean BMI was 26.1±3.6 kg/m 2 , and WC was 91±11 cm. Higher predonation BMI was associated with lower mGFR throughout follow-up: -1.35 (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.95 to -0.80), -1.55 (95% CI, -2.50 to -0.65), and -2.35 (95% CI, -4.10 to -0.60) ml/min per m 2 per 5 kg/m 2 higher BMI at 3 months, 5, and 10 years after donation, respectively, adjusted for sex, age, and predonation GFR. For WC, differences in mGFR were -1.30 (95% CI, -1.70 to -0.90), -1.50 (95% CI, -2.20 to -0.80), and -1.70 (95% CI, -3.00 to -0.50) ml/min per m 2 per 10 cm higher WC at 3 months, 5, and 10 years after donation, respectively. In male donors, BMI and WC were significantly associated with a negative postdonation change in eGFR. Higher BMI and WC were independently associated with lower GFR (long term) after living kidney donation.

Associations of infant feeding practices with abdominal and hepatic fat measures in childhood in the longitudinal Healthy Start Study

BackgroundInfant feeding patterns have been linked with obesity risk in childhood, but associations with precise measures of body fat distribution are unclear. ObjectiveWe examined associations of infant feeding practices with abdominal fat and hepatic fat trajectories in childhood. MethodsThis study included 356 children in the Healthy Start Study, a prospective prebirth cohort in Colorado. Infant feeding practices were assessed by postnatal interviews and categorized as any human milk <6 mo compared with ≥6 mo; complementary foods introduced ≤4 mo compared with >4 mo; soda introduced ≤18 mo compared with >18 mo. Abdominal subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) areas and hepatic fat (%) were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging in early and middle childhood (median 5 and 9 y old, respectively). We examined associations of infant feeding with adiposity trajectories across childhood using linear mixed models. ResultsIn the sample of children, 67% consumed human milk ≥6 mo, 75% were introduced to complementary foods at >4 mo, and 81% were introduced to soda at >18 mo. We did not find any associations between duration of any human milk consumption and childhood adiposity trajectories. Early introduction to complementary foods (≤4 mo) was associated with faster rates of change for SAT and VAT during childhood (Slope [95% CI]: 15.1 [10.7,19.4] cm2/y for SAT; 2.5 [1.9,2.9] cm2/y for VAT), compared with introduction at >4 mo (5.5 [3.0,8.0] cm2/y and 1.6 [1.3,1.9] cm2/y, respectively). Similarly, early introduction to soda (≤18 mo) was associated with faster rates of change for all 3 outcomes during childhood (Slope [95% CI]: 20.6 [15.0,26.1] cm2/y for SAT, 2.7 [2.0,3.3] cm2/y for VAT, 0.3 [0.1,0.5] %/year for hepatic fat) compared with delayed introduction (5.4 [2.8,8.0] cm2/y, 1.7 [1.3, 2.0] cm2/y, -0.1 [-0.2,0.0] %/y, respectively). ConclusionsThe timing of introduction and quality of complementary foods in infancy was associated with rates of abdominal and hepatic fat accrual during childhood. Experimental studies are needed to assess underlying mechanisms.

Body Fat Distribution, Diabetes Mellitus, and Cardiovascular Disease: an Update.

Specific measures of body fat distribution may have particular value in the development and treatment of cardiometabolic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Here, we review the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and recent advances in the identification and management of body fat distribution as it relates to DM and CVD risk. Accumulation of visceral and ectopic fat is a major contributor to CVD and DM risk above and beyond the body mass index (BMI), yet implementation of fat distribution assessment into clinical practice remains a challenge. Newer imaging-based methods offer improved sensitivity and specificity for measuring specific fat depots. Lifestyle, pharmacological, and surgical interventions allow a multidisciplinary approach to reduce visceral and ectopic fat. A focus on implementation of body fat distribution measurements into clinical practice should be a priority over the next 5 to 10 years, and clinical assessment of fat distribution can be considered to refine risk evaluation and to develop improved and effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for high-risk obesity.

Abstract 65: DNA Methylation at ABCG1 and Long-Term Changes in Adiposity in Response to Diet Interventions: The POUNDS Lost Trial

Introduction: Epigenome-wide association studies identified that DNA methylation (DNAm) at the ABCG1 gene (cg06500161) was associated with obesity. However, little is known about whether DNAm at ABCG1 is associated with long-term changes in adiposity and body fat distribution in response to dietary weight-loss interventions. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that participants with varying DNAm at ABCG1 might respond differently to dietary weight-loss interventions on long-term changes in adiposity and body fat distribution. Methods: The current study included 673 participants with overweight/obesity, who were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 diets varying in macronutrient components. Blood DNAm level was profiled by a high-resolution methylC-capture sequencing at baseline. The regional DNAm at ABCG1 was defined as the average methylation level over CpGs within ± 250 bp of cg06500161. Two-year changes in adiposity and Computed Tomography (CT)-measured body fat distribution were calculated. Results: We found that regional DNAm at ABCG1 significantly interacted with dietary protein intake on long-term changes in body weight and waist circumference (WC) at 6 months and 2 years (P-interaction&lt;0.05 for all, Figure ). Among participants assigned to an average-protein (15%) diet, lower regional DNAm at ABCG1 was associated with greater reductions in body weight and WC at 6 months and 2 years, while opposite associations were found among those assigned to a high-protein (25%) diet. Similar interactions were also observed for body fat distribution, including visceral adipose tissue, subcutaneous adipose tissue, deep subcutaneous adipose tissue, and total adipose tissue at 6 months and 2 years (P-interaction&lt;0.05 for all). Conclusion: Our data indicate that DNAm at ABCG1 interacted with dietary protein intake on long-term changes in adiposity and body fat distribution. Participants with hypomethylation at ABCG1 benefited more in long-term improvement in adiposity and body fat distribution by consuming an average-protein diet.

Prediction of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease using anthropometry and body fat measures by sex and race/ethnicity in the United States.

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing in the United States and is strongly linked to obesity in many, but not all, racial/ethnic groups. It is conceivable that the lack of correspondence is related to differential fat distribution. The study objective was to examine which fat distribution measures best predicted NAFLD by sex within racial/ethnic groups. The analysis included 1,404 participants from the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analyses compared the ability of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry-measured percentage total fat and abdominal fat with measured BMI, waist circumference, and waisttoheight ratio to predict ultrasound transient-elastography-assessed NAFLD in each sex and racial/ethnic group. AUC analysis found the best predictors of NAFLD among men were waist circumference and total abdominal fat area (AUC: 84.1%) and the best predictor among women was visceral fat (AUC: 85.2). NAFLD prediction by body fat measures, however, was similar between racial/ethnic groups. The best predictors of NAFLD, using body fat distribution measures, vary by sex but not by racial/ethnic group.

Abstract EP46: Can Middle-Aged Recreational Cyclists Remain In Energy Balance And Weight Stable When Involved In An Extreme Exercise And Energy Expenditure Intervention (4E Study)? Effect On Visceral Adiposity And Features Of Cardiometabolic Risk

Introduction: Weight loss is often considered a key target in lifestyle interventions aimed at reducing cardiometabolic risk in people with overweight/obesity. However, evidence suggests that regular endurance exercise can induce a mobilization of visceral fat in the absence of weight loss. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to test the effect of an extreme exercise prescription not aimed at weight loss on visceral adiposity and on indices of cardiometabolic health. Hypothesis: Despite our attempt to keep the cyclists weight stable during the 1-week exercise intervention, a loss of visceral fat would be observed. Methods: Eleven male recreational cyclists, aged 50 to 66 years and asymptomatic for cardiovascular disease, cycled 1144 km (715 miles) over a period of seven consecutive days. During the intervention, body weight and composition were assessed daily by bioelectrical impedance and cyclists’ caloric intake was increased to keep them in energy balance and weight stable. Their cardiometabolic health profile was documented before and after the intervention and included a fasting blood test, a resting hemodynamic profile, anthropometric, body composition and body fat distribution measurements including visceral adiposity assessed by magnetic resonance. A maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed at baseline. During the intervention, energy expenditure was calculated from the caloric equivalents of oxygen consumption for each heart rate value acquired with a heart rate monitor. Prepared foods were provided to participants and their energy intake was closely monitored. Results: Small decreases in body weight (-0.8 kg, P &lt;0.05), BMI (-0.3 kg/m 2 , P &lt;0.05) and fat mass (-1.5 kg, P =0.0005) as well as a trend towards an increase in lean mass (+0.8 kg, P =0.07) were observed. Visceral adiposity (-14.1 mL, P &lt;0.01) and waist circumference (-3.2 cm, P &lt;0.0001) decreased while subcutaneous adiposity remained unchanged (-2.7 mL, NS). Decreases in total cholesterol (-1.17 mmol/L, P &lt;0.001), LDL cholesterol (-0.97 mmol/L, P &lt;0.0001), non-HDL cholesterol (-1.32 mmol/L, P &lt;0.0001), triglycerides (-0.77 mmol/L, P &lt;0.005), glycated hemoglobin (-0.1%, P &lt;0.005), and resting systolic (-9 mmHg, P &lt;0.01) and diastolic (-7 mmHg, P &lt;0.01) blood pressure were noted. Conclusion: This study showed that recreational master cyclists were not able to remain in energy balance when exposed to a very large exercise prescription performed over one week. However, despite trivial changes in body weight and no change in subcutaneous adiposity, a significant reduction in visceral adiposity was observed. This study shows the differential response of subcutaneous vs visceral adiposity to a very large prescription of endurance exercise, and the inability of body weight changes to fully appreciate the effects of endurance exercise on features of cardiometabolic risk.

Association Between the Triglyceride-Glucose Index and the Incidence of Diabetes in People With Different Phenotypes of Obesity: A Retrospective Study.

AimWe aimed to examine the relationship between the Triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in people with different phenotypes of obesity.MethodsFrom May 1, 1994 to December 31, 2016, 15,464 participants were enrolled in the medical examination program at the Murakami Memorial Hospital to determine the relationship between the TyG index and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in people with different phenotypes of obesity after 5.38 years of follow-up.ResultsBesides triglycerides, HbA1c%, and FPG, the incidence of type 2 diabetes was found to be significantly associated with the TyG index (p <0.001), age (p <0.001), BMI (p = 0.033), current smoker (p <0.001), and fatty liver (p <0.001). In participants with visceral fat obesity and/or ectopic fat obesity and normal BMI, the TyG index was significantly associated with the incidence of type 2 diabetes after adjusting for confounding factors. In patients with BMI ≥25 mg/m2, although there was a trend of the relationship between the TyG index and the incidence of type 2 diabetes, the relationship was no longer positive.ConclusionIn participants with obesity involving visceral fat obesity and/or fatty liver and normal BMI which is not a measure of body fat distribution, there was a significant association between the TyG index and incidence of T2DM.

Body Mass Index and Waist to Height Ratio as an Indicator of Obesity in Gallstone Disease: Our 1 year experience

Background: Obesity is an established risk factor for gallstones. Body mass index (BMI) is a calculation index of general obesity. Waist circumference (WC) is a measure of body fat distribution and always used to estimate abdominal obesity. Using one single measure of obesity could not estimate persons at risk for Gallstone disease precisely. Aims: To Study if there any change in trend of relationship between body mass index/ waist-to height ratio in cholelithiasis patients. Objectives: To associate BMI and waist to height ratio with cholelithiasis. Materials and Methods: Type of study: Descriptive study. Sample size: 90 consenting patients diagnosed to have gallstone disease. Place of study: Department of General Surgery KIMS Hospital Bengaluru. Results: In the present descriptive study, 90 cases diagnosed with gallstone disease were selected by purposive sampling technique. They were between the ages of 21-80 years. Out of the ninety cases, thirty were males (33%) and sixty were females (67%). The female to male ratio was 2:1 Maximum number of cases were seen in the 31-40 and 41-50 year age groups that is forty four cases (48%). With peak incidence in 3rd decade. Body mass index was above normal in fifty nine patients (66%). Waist to height ratio was found to be above normal in sixty one patients (68%). suggestive of strong association with obesity. Conclusion: From the present descriptive study conducted at Department of General Surgery, KIMS Hospital Bengaluru is concluded that obesity has a strong association with gall stone disease, the main indicators of obesity being body mass index and waist to height ratio. The dictum of gall stone disease stating, the disease being more common in a “fertile fatty female of forties” is still valid.

Association of Body Mass Index, Central Obesity, and Body Composition With Mortality Among Black Breast Cancer Survivors

Obesity disproportionately affects Black women, who also have a higher risk of death after a breast cancer diagnosis compared with women of other racial/ethnic groups. However, few studies have evaluated the association of measures of adiposity with mortality among Black breast cancer survivors. To assess the association of measures of adiposity with survival after a breast cancer diagnosis among Black women. This prospective population-based cohort study comprised 1891 women with stage 0 to IV breast cancer who self-identified as African American or Black and were ages 20 to 75 years. The New Jersey State Cancer Registry was used to identify women living in 10 counties in New Jersey who were recruited from March 1, 2006, to February 29, 2020, and followed up until September 2, 2020. Measures of adiposity, including body mass index, body fat distribution (waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio), and body composition (percent body fat and fat mass index), were collected during in-person interviews at approximately 10 months after breast cancer diagnosis. All-cause and breast cancer-specific mortality. Among 1891 women, the mean (SD) age at breast cancer diagnosis was 54.5 (10.8) years. During a median follow-up of 5.9 years (range, 0.5-14.8 years), 286 deaths were identified; of those, 175 deaths (61.2%) were associated with breast cancer. A total of 1060 women (56.1%) had obesity, and 1291 women (68.3%) had central obesity. Higher adiposity, particularly higher waist-to-hip ratio, was associated with worse survival. Women in the highest quartile of waist-to-hip ratio had a 61% increased risk of dying from any cause (hazard ratio [HR], 1.61; 95% CI, 1.12-2.33) and a 68% increased risk of breast cancer death (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.04-2.71) compared with women in the lowest quartile. The risks of all-cause and breast cancer-specific death were similarly high among women in the highest quartile for waist circumference (HR, 1.74 [95% CI, 1.26-2.41] and 1.64 [95% CI, 1.08-2.48], respectively), percent body fat (HR, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.09-2.15] and 1.81 [95% CI, 1.17-2.80]), and fat mass index (HR, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.11-2.22] and 1.74 [95% CI, 1.10-2.75]); however, the risk was less substantial for body mass index (HR, 1.26 [95% CI, 0.89-1.79] and 1.33 [95% CI, 0.84-2.10]). In analyses stratified by estrogen receptor status, menopausal status, and age, a higher waist-to-hip ratio was associated with a higher risk of all-cause death among women who had estrogen receptor-negative tumors (HR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.14-4.41), women who were postmenopausal (HR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.28-3.61), and women who were 60 years or older at diagnosis (HR per 0.10-U increase, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.37-2.26). In this population-based cohort study, central obesity and higher adiposity were associated with higher all-cause and breast cancer-specific mortality among Black breast cancer survivors. Simple measures of body fat distribution and body composition were found to be useful tools for identifying Black women with a higher risk of death after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Increased Sodium Consumption Is Associated With Abdominal Obesity in Older Adults

ObjectivesSodium intake has been widely studied for its role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and blood pressure (BP) changes. Some studies have suggested that sodium intake is associated with an increased risk of obesity. Although BMI is a common measure of obesity, waist circumference (WC) may serve as a better predictor of increased obesity-related CVD risk. The objective of this study was to examine the association of measures of body fat distribution including body mass index (BMI), WC, waist to hip ratio (WHP), and waist to height ratio (WHT) with sodium intake and BP in older adults. MethodsOne hundred twenty-eight adults aged 65–80 were included in this cross-sectional study. Dietary data was collected through a food frequency questionnaire (110 food items). Anthropometric and BP measurements were also collected. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the association of obesity measures with sodium intake and BP levels. One-way ANOVA was used to determine differences in sodium and BP readings between BMI categories (Normal: 18.5–24.9; Overweight: 25.0–29.9 and Obese: 30.0 and above). ResultsWC and WHT were both significantly associated with sodium intake after controlling for age, gender, physical activity, and total calorie intake. Obese individuals consumed significantly more sodium than individuals with normal weight (2834 ± 974 mg in obese individuals; 2172 ± 840 mg in normal weight individuals; P = 0.044). BMI, WC, WHP, and WHT were significantly associated with systolic and diastolic BP. Mean systolic BP was significantly different between individuals with normal BMI and obese BMI (126 ± 16.5 mmHg in normal BMI; 139.7 ± 22.9 mmHg in obese BMI; P = 0.047). The mean diastolic BP showed a statistically significant difference between the normal BMI and overweight individuals (70.9 ± 10.4 mmHg in normal BMI; 79.3 ± 15.2 mmHg in overweight; P = 0.036) but not in obese individuals. ConclusionsHigher sodium consumption was significantly related with higher abdominal body fat mass as measured by WC and WHT in older adults. Higher BMI, WC, WHP, and WHT were also associated with systolic and diastolic BP levels. Our findings suggest that excessive sodium intake is an independent risk factor for obesity in older adults. Funding SourcesNone.

Genomics of body fat distribution

Central obesity and body fat distribution measured by waist circumference (WC) and waist hip ratio (WHR) are good predictors of cardio metabolic adversities independent of overall adiposity. There are substantial evidence that body fat distribution is controlled by genetic factors. Even after accounting for body mass index (BMI), individual variation in body fat distribution is heritable, with estimates ranging from 31-76%. Individuals genetically predisposed to store more fat in visceral depots are at higher risk of developing metabolic complications. Several linkage and genomewide association studies (GWAS) for measures of body fat distribution uncovered numerous loci harbouring genes potentially regulating body fat distribution. Additionally, genes with fat depot specific expression patterns (especially, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT)) have provided plausible candidate genes involved in body fat regulation. Further, sexual dimorphism have revealed a remarkable heterogeneity in the genetic regulation of body fat distribution. More than hundred loci have been identified through GWAS, displaying more pronounced effect in females than males, suggesting that both sexes share potentially different biological architecture in traits related to body fat distribution. Moreover, the handful of genes identified by GWAS have been validated in different population groups. This article aims at reviewing the current knowledge of genomic basis of body fat distribution.

Adiposity Measures and Morning Serum Cortisol in African Americans: Jackson Heart Study.

Altered hormonal regulation, including cortisol, is a proposed mechanism linking adiposity to obesity-related disorders. We examined the association of anthropometric, adipokine, and body fat distribution measures of adiposity with morning serum cortisol in an African American (AA) cohort. We investigated the cross-sectional associations of adiposity measures (BMI, waist circumference, leptin, adiponectin, leptin:adiponectin ratio, subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue) and liver attenuation with cortisol in the Jackson Heart Study. Linear regression models were used to analyze the association between exposures and cortisol. Models were adjusted for multiple covariates. Among 4,211 participants, a 1-SD higher BMI and waist circumference were associated with a 3.92% and 3.05% lower cortisol, respectively. A 1-SD higher leptin and leptin:adiponectin ratio were associated with a 6.48% and 4.97% lower morning serum cortisol, respectively. A 1-SD higher subcutaneous adipose tissue was associated with a 4.97% lower cortisol (all P < 0.001). There were no associations of liver attenuation or visceral adipose tissue with cortisol. Several measures of adiposity are associated with lower morning serum cortisol among AAs, with leptin having the greatest magnitude. Future studies examining the role of morning serum cortisol in the pathway from adiposity to cardiometabolic disease in AAs are warranted.

The Role of Genetic Variation of BMI, Body Composition, and Fat Distribution for Mental Traits and Disorders: A Look-Up and Mendelian Randomization Study.

Anthropometric traits and mental disorders or traits are known to be associated clinically and to show genetic overlap. We aimed to identify genetic variants with relevance for mental disorders/traits and either (i) body mass index (or obesity), (ii) body composition, (and/or) (iii) body fat distribution. We performed a look-up analysis of 1,005 genome-wide significant SNPs for BMI, body composition, and body fat distribution in 15 mental disorders/traits. We identified 40 independent loci with one or more SNPs fulfilling our threshold significance criterion (P < 4.98 × 10–5) for the mental phenotypes. The majority of loci was associated with schizophrenia, educational attainment, and/or intelligence. Fewer associations were found for bipolar disorder, neuroticism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, major depressive disorder, depressive symptoms, and well-being. Unique associations with measures of body fat distribution adjusted for BMI were identified at five loci only. To investigate the potential causality between body fat distribution and schizophrenia, we performed two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses. We found no causal effect of body fat distribution on schizophrenia and vice versa. In conclusion, we identified 40 loci which may contribute to genetic overlaps between mental disorders/traits and BMI and/or shape related phenotypes. The majority of loci identified for body composition overlapped with BMI loci, thus suggesting pleiotropic effects.

Elucidating Under-Studied Aspects of the Link Between Obesity and Multiple Myeloma: Weight Pattern, Body Shape Trajectory, and Body Fat Distribution.

BackgroundAlthough obesity is an established modifiable risk factor for multiple myeloma (MM), several nuanced aspects of its relation to MM remain unelucidated, limiting public health and prevention messages.MethodsWe analyzed prospective data from the Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study to examine MM risk associated with 20-year weight patterns in adulthood, body shape trajectory from ages 5 to 60 years, and body fat distribution. For each aforementioned risk factor, we report hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident MM from multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models.ResultsWe documented 582 incident MM cases during 4 280 712 person-years of follow-up. Persons who exhibited extreme weight cycling, for example, those with net weight gain and one or more episodes of intentional loss of at least 20 pounds or whose cumulative intentional weight loss exceeded net weight loss with at least one episode of intentional loss of 20 pounds or more had an increased MM risk compared with individuals who maintained their weight (HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.05 to 2.80); the association was statistically nonsignificant after adjustment for body mass index. We identified four body shape trajectories: lean-stable, lean-increase, medium-stable, and medium-increase. MM risk was higher in the medium-increase group than in the lean-stable group (HR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.22 to 2.14). Additionally, MM risk increased with increasing hip circumference (HR per 1-inch increase: 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.06) but was not associated with other body fat distribution measures.ConclusionsMaintaining a lean and stable weight throughout life may provide the strongest benefit in terms of MM prevention.

Body fat distribution on computed tomography imaging and prostate cancer risk and mortality in the AGES-Reykjavik study.

The World Cancer Research Fund classifies as "strong evidence" the link between obesity and the risk of advanced prostate cancer. In light of the different hormonal profiles associated with where adipose is stored, this study investigated the role of objectively measured body fat distribution and the risk of clinically relevant prostate cancer. This was a prospective study of 1832 men in the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik study. From 2002 to 2006, participants underwent baseline computed tomography imaging of fat deposition, bioelectric impedance analysis, and measurement of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Men were followed through linkage with nationwide cancer registries for the incidence of total (n=172), high-grade (Gleason grade≥8; n=43), advanced (≥cT3b/N1/M1 at diagnosis or fatal prostate cancer over follow-up; n=41), and fatal prostate cancer (n=31) through 2015. Cox regression was used to evaluate the association between adiposity measures and prostate cancer outcomes. Among all men, visceral fat (hazard ratio [HR], 1.31 per 1-standard deviation [SD] increase; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.72) and thigh subcutaneous fat (HR, 1.37 per 1-SD increase; 95% CI, 1.00-1.88) were associated with risk of advanced and fatal disease, respectively. Among men who were leaner based on BMI, visceral fat was associated with both advanced and fatal disease. BMI and waist circumference were associated with a higher risk of advanced and fatal disease. No adiposity measures were associated with total or high-grade disease. Specific fat depots as well as BMI and waist circumference were associated with the risk of aggressive prostate cancer, which may help to elucidate underlying mechanisms and target intervention strategies.

Cancer risk in relation to body fat distribution, evaluated by DXA-scans, in postmenopausal women \u2013 the Prospective Epidemiological Risk Factor (PERF) study

Studies with direct measures of body fat distribution are required to explore the association between central and general obesity to cancer risk in postmenopausal women. This study investigates the association between central obesity and general obesity to overall/site-specific cancer risk in postmenopausal women. The analysis included 4,679 Danish postmenopausal women. Body fat distribution was evaluated by whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanners. Cancer diagnoses were extracted from the Danish Cancer Registry and multivariable Cox regression models explored the association between cancer risk and central obesity after adjusting for BMI. Our results showed that high central obese women had a 50% increased risk of overall cancer relative to low central obese women (Q1vs.Q4: [HR:1.50, CI:1.20–1.88]). For site-specific cancers, central obesity was significantly associated with Respiratory (Q1vs.Q4: [HR:2.01, CI:1.17–3.47]), Gastrointestinal (Q1vs.Q4: [HR:1.55, CI:0.99–2.41]) and Female genital organs (Q1vs.Q4: [HR:1.95, CI:1.00–3.78]) cancer diagnoses. Sub-analyses stratified by smoking-habits found a significant association between central obesity and a cancer diagnosis for current (Q1vs.Q4: [HR:1.93, CI:1.25–2.99]) and former smokers (Q1vs.Q4: [HR:1.90, CI:1.23–2.94]). These analyses suggest that central obesity is associated with some cancers in postmenopausal women independent of BMI.