Skinfold Measurements Research Articles

Impact of Weight Status on Hemodynamic Parameters and Aerobic Fitness in School-Aged Children: A Study in a Rural School Community.

Maintaining a high level of physical activity provides significant health benefits for children, particularly in enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness and maintaining a healthy weight. This study aimed to investigate the impact of weight status on children's hemodynamic parameters and aerobic fitness levels. This cross-sectional study included 350 rural primary school children (146 boys and 204 girls) aged 11-13 years, randomly selected from two schools in the King Cetshwayo District, KwaDlangezwa area of KwaZulu-Natal. The anthropometric measurements recorded included height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference, with percentiles calculated using Cole's Lambda, Mu, and Sigma method. Additionally, skinfold measurements were obtained at four sites (biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac). Hemodynamic measurements included systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate. Aerobic fitness was assessed using the 20 m shuttle run test, which evaluated speed, level, and age. The healthy group demonstrated significantly lower ratios in several measurements compared to those of the overweight group, i.e., the VO2max was 6% higher (<0.001), the waist-to-hip ratio was 6% lower (<0.001), the body fat percentage was 16% lower (<0.001), the waist circumference was 12% lower (<0.001), and the resting heart rate was 3% lower (p ≤ 0.055). Differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were also observed, with the systolic pressure 2% lower (p ≤ 0.116) and the diastolic pressure 3% lower (p ≤ 0.086) in the healthy group. The study revealed a significant association between body weight status, aerobic fitness, and blood pressure parameters. Conducted in rural primary schools in KwaDlangezwa, KwaZulu-Natal, the research highlights notable correlations among weight status, aerobic competence, and blood pressure (BP) in children aged 11 to 13 years. The findings indicate that children with a healthy body weight showed higher VO2max levels and a reduced risk of developing childhood obesity and hypertension, unlike their overweight or obese peers, who displayed lower aerobic fitness and higher blood pressure.

The Relationship Between BMI And Skinfold Measurements In High-intensity Functional Training Athletes

The Relationship Between BMI And Skinfold Measurements In High-intensity Functional Training Athletes

Impact of Elexacaftor–Tezacaftor–Ivacaftor Therapy on Body Composition, Dietary Intake, Biomarkers, and Quality of Life in People with Cystic Fibrosis: A Prospective Observational Study

Background: The combination of elexacaftor–tezacaftor–ivacaftor modulators (ETI) has improved clinical outcomes for people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate changes in nutritional and morphofunctional assessments, as well as anxiety, depression symptoms, and quality of life, in pwCF after starting ETI therapy. Methods: This was a prospective observational study. We measured body composition (fat mass [FM] and fat-free mass [FFM]) using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and skinfold thickness measurements (SMs). We also assessed hand grip strength, dietary intake via surveys, blood and stool biomarkers, symptoms of anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS], and quality of life through the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire—Revised (CFQR). Results: A total of 31 pwCF were evaluated. Significant improvements were observed in respiratory function and quality of life, alongside an average weight increase of approximately 5 kg (60% FM and 40% FFM). The prevalence of malnutrition, based on BMI and the FFM index, decreased significantly, while the rate of overweight/obesity increased. Biomarker analysis indicated better nutrient absorption and reduced intestinal inflammation, as evidenced by significant changes in faecal calprotectin, nitrogen, and fat levels, as well as blood lipid and vitamin profiles. Conclusions: Despite a reduction in caloric intake, an increase in weight was observed one year after initiating ETI. This increase was attributed to gains in both FM and FFM, suggesting improved metabolic efficiency and nutrient absorption. Both SM and BIA were found to be useful assessment tools. These findings indicate the need to modify the nutritional approach, focusing on the quality rather than the quantity of intake, and aiming for an appropriate body composition (FFM) rather than solely focusing on BMI.

Plasma metabolomic profile of adiposity and body composition in childhood: The Genetics of Glucose regulation in Gestation and Growth cohort.

This study identified metabolite modules associated with adiposity and body fat distribution in childhood using gold-standard measurements. We used cross-sectional data from 329 children at mid-childhood (age 5.3 ± 0.3 years; BMI 15.7 ± 1.5 kg/m2) from the Genetics of Glucose regulation in Gestation and Growth (Gen3G), a prospective pre-birth cohort. We quantified 1038 plasma metabolites and measured body composition using the gold-standard dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), in addition to skinfold, waist circumference, and BMI. We applied weighted-correlation network analysis to identify a network of highly correlated metabolite modules. Spearman's partial correlations were applied to determine the associations of adiposity with metabolite modules and individual metabolites with false discovery rate (FDR) correction. We identified a 'green' module of 120 metabolites, primarily comprised of lipids (mostly sphingomyelins and phosphatidylcholine), that showed positive correlations (all FDR p < 0.05) with DXA estimates of total and truncal fat (ρadjusted = 0.11-0.19), skinfold measures (ρadjusted = 0.09-0.26), and BMI and waist circumference (ρadjusted = 0.15 and 0.18, respectively). These correlations were similar when stratified by sex. Within this module, sphingomyelin (d18:2/14:0, d18:1/14:1)*, a sphingomyelin sub-specie that is an important component of cell membranes, showed the strongest associations. A module of metabolites was associated with adiposity measures in childhood.

The physical profile of female cricketers: An investigation between playing standard and position.

The primary aim of this study was to present the physical profile of female cricketers. Secondary, was to assess any differences between playing standard (professional vs. non-professional) and position (seam bowler vs. non-seam bowler). Fifty-four female cricketers (professional seam bowler [n = 16]; professional non-seam bowler [n = 17]; non-professional seam bowler [n = 10]; non-professional non-seam bowler [n = 11]) undertook a battery of physical and anthropometric assessments during the off-season period. Participant's physical profile was assessed via the broad jump, countermovement jump, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), 20 m sprint, run-2 cricket specific speed test, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level-1 (Yo-Yo-IR1). The sum-of-eight skinfold measurement was also recorded for professional cricketers only. Differences between playing standard and position were assessed with a two-way ANOVA. Seam bowlers possessed a significantly (p < 0.04) greater stature and had a higher body mass than non-seam bowlers. Non-seam bowlers recorded significantly (p < 0.01) further broad jump, higher normalised peak vertical force during the IMTP, and ran greater distances during the Yo-Yo-IR1. Professional cricketers produced significantly further run distances for the Yo-Yo-IR1 and faster run-2 times for the dominant turning side than non-professional cricketers. This study provides valuable insights into the physical profile of female cricketers across playing standards and positions which practitioners can use to direct and enhance training outcomes.

A rapid action plan to improve diagnosis and management of lipodystrophy syndromes.

Lipodystrophy syndromes are rare diseases that can present with a broad range of symptoms. Delays in diagnosis are common, which in turn, may predispose to the development of severe metabolic complications and end-organ damage. Many patients with lipodystrophy syndromes are only diagnosed after significant metabolic abnormalities arise. Prompt action by clinical teams may improve disease outcomes in lipodystrophy syndromes. The aim of the Rapid Action Plan is to serve as a set of recommendations from experts that can support clinicians with limited experience in lipodystrophy syndromes. The Rapid Action Plan was developed using insights gathered through a series of advisory meetings with clinical experts in lipodystrophy syndromes. A skeleton template was used to facilitate interviews. A consensus document was developed, reviewed, and approved by all experts. Lipodystrophy is a clinical diagnosis. The Rapid Action Plan discusses tools that can help diagnose lipodystrophy syndromes. The roles of clinical and family history, physical exam, patient and family member photos, routine blood tests, leptin levels, skinfold measurements, imaging studies, and genetic testing are explored. Additional topics such as communicating the diagnosis to the patients/families and patient referrals are covered. A set of recommendations regarding screening and monitoring for metabolic diseases and end-organ abnormalities is presented. Finally, the treatment of lipodystrophy syndromes is reviewed. The Rapid Action Plan may assist clinical teams with the prompt diagnosis and holistic work-up and management of patients with lipodystrophy syndromes, which may improve outcomes for patients with this rare disease.

The Assessment of the Nutritional Status among the Young-Old and Old-Old Population with Alimentary-Dependent Diseases.

Background and Objectives: Unhealthy nutrition can contribute to the development or progression of various alimentary-dependent diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, anaemia, and arterial hypertension. Young-old and old-old individuals often have diets deficient in essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients, characterized by high consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods and insufficient intake of plant-based products like vegetables and fruits. This study aims to identify key parameters of nutritional status among the young-old (aged 60-74 years) and old-old (aged 75-90 years) populations in central Kazakhstan, particularly in relation to specific alimentary-dependent diseases. Materials and Methods: The study involved 300 participants aged 60-90 years. The study incorporated a dietary questionnaire, food consumption records (such as 24 h recalls), and measurements of anthropometric indicators including weight and skinfold measurements. Results: Residents in the surveyed regions typically consumed food 3-4 times daily, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner being eaten at consistent times. A significant proportion of individuals, especially older adults, followed this meal schedule. About one-third ate before bedtime, and more than half believed they adhere to a specific diet. The mean BMI for men aged 60-74 years was 28.3 (95% CI: 20.1-43.2) and, for those aged 75-90 years, it was 29.0 (95% CI: 22.1-40.8). Caloric intake among individuals aged 60-74 was higher compared to those aged 75-90, with males consuming an average of 2372.7 kcal and females consuming 2236.78 kcal versus 2101.5 kcal for males and 2099.9 kcal for females in the older age group. Conclusions: The dietary patterns observed among old-old individuals were marked by excessive calorie intakes and imbalances in macronutrient composition, with a predominant emphasis on high-carbohydrate foods at the expense of essential nutrients like proteins, fats, and key vitamins (such as C, E, B vitamins) and minerals (such as potassium, calcium, and iron).

Triceps skinfold thickness trajectories and the risk of all-cause mortality: A prospective cohort study.

The measurement of triceps skinfold (TSF) thickness serves as a noninvasive metric for evaluating subcutaneous fat distribution. Despite its clinical utility, the TSF thickness trajectories and their correlation with overall mortality have not been thoroughly investigated. To explore TSF thickness trajectories of Chinese adults and to examine their associations with all-cause mortality. This study encompassed a cohort of 14747 adults sourced from the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Latent class trajectory modeling was employed to identify distinct trajectories of TSF thickness. Subjects were classified into subgroups reflective of their respective TSF thickness trajectory. We utilized multivariate Cox regression analyses and mediation examinations to explore the link between TSF thickness trajectory and overall mortality, including contributory factors. Upon adjustment for multiple confounding factors, we discerned that males in the 'Class 2: Thin-stable' and 'Class 3: Thin-moderate' TSF thickness trajectories exhibited a markedly reduced risk of mortality from all causes in comparison to the 'Class 1: Extremely thin' subgroup. In the mediation analyses, the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index was found to be a partial intermediary in the relationship between TSF thickness trajectories and mortality. For females, a lower TSF thickness pattern was significantly predictive of elevated all-cause mortality risk exclusively within the non-elderly cohort. In males and non-elderly females, lower TSF thickness trajectories are significantly predictive of heightened mortality risk, independent of single-point TSF thickness, body mass index, and waist circumference.

NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND SOME RELATED FACTORS IN MEDICAL STUDENTS

Background: Today, the global challenge of malnutrition encompasses both undernutrition and overweight, particularly prevalent in low and middle-income nations. Excessive body fat accumulation poses health risks for overweight and obese individuals. Objectives: To assess nutritional status and identify related factors among Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy (CTUMP) medical students. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 137 first-year medical students at CTUMP to evaluate their body fat percentage using the Harpenden Skinfold Caliper. Skinfold measurements were taken from the bicipital, tricipital, subscapular, and suprailiac sites. Furthermore, physical activity levels were classified using the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) consisting of 16 questions on 4 domains. The research was carried out at CTUMP from December 2022 to June 2023. Results: Compared to urban areas, a higher percentage of male students engage in physical activity in rural areas; however, this trend is not observed among female students. Additionally, female students exhibited thicker skin folds in four areas (biceps, triceps, suprailiac, and subscapular) compared to male students. Conversely, the fold thickness in the suprailiac region was greater in female students. The mean body fat percentage was 20.40±4.61% in male students and 30.48±4.32% in female students. Non-obese students comprised the majority in this study, with 84.3% of male students being non-obese. Among female students, 53.7% were classified as obese and 46.3% as non-obese. There was insufficient evidence to indicate differences between residential student groups and physical activity levels. Conclusions: The study reveals that the majority of participating students are non-obese. Furthermore, the average body fat percentage among women is found to be higher compared to both men and the general population. However, there is inadequate evidence to show variances among student groups residing in diverse areas or partaking in varying levels of physical activity.

Association between the body image perception, anthropometric measurements, and physical activity among the physiotherapy students

ABSTRACT Background: Body image perception (BIP) is associated with self-perception. Excessive concern about body image and body image dissatisfactions (BIDs) are linked to the risk factors for eating disorders, low self-esteem, depression, and less physical activity (PA), in turn leading to obesity. It is still unclear how a physiotherapy student perceives themselves. Aims: The objective of the study is to find the association between the BIP, anthropometric measurements, and PA. Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted at Alva’s College of Physiotherapy, Moodbidri. This is a correlation type of study. A total of 127 physiotherapy students who were between the age group of 18 and 25 years were recruited for the study based on the inclusion criteria. Body mass index (BMI) and skinfold (SF) measurement were measured using a syndex skin fold calliper. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and Body Shape Questionnaire were used to assess PA and BIP, respectively. Results: The study showed a significant association between BIP and BMI and SF measurements, where females are showing higher BID, whereas males are showing no significant result. PA and BID did not show any significant association among males and females. Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that there is a high incidence of BID among the physiotherapy students. Even though there was a good-to-excellent level of body fat among the university students, a high rate of BID was noted, especially among the female students.

Relationship between perceived physical literacy and obesity-related outcomes in adolescents: the EHDLA study.

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between perceived physical literacy and obesity-related outcomes among adolescents from Spain. This is a secondary cross-sectional analysis including a total sample of 845 Spanish adolescents (55.3% girls) aged 12-17 years from the Valle de Ricote (Region of Murcia) from the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) project. Physical literacy was evaluated using the Spanish Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument for adolescents (S-PPLI). Body mass index was computed by taking the participants' body weight in kilograms and dividing it by the square of their height in meters, and body mass index (z score) and overweight/obesity and obesity were computed by the World Health Organization age- and sex-specific thresholds. Waist circumference was measured using a constant tension tape. Moreover, the waist-to-height ratio was calculated, and therefore, abdominal obesity was determined. Skinfold measurements were taken at the triceps and medial calf using calibrated steel calipers. In general, the overall trend was downward (i.e., the higher the PPLI score the lower the obesity-related indicators), with the approximate significance of smooth terms being statistically significant for all models examined (p < 0.001). Adolescents with lower perceived physical literacy (PPL) showed the highest estimated marginal means of body mass index, body mass index z score, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and skinfold (triceps and calf) and predictive probabilities of having excess weight, obesity, and abdominal obesity, while their counterparts with high PPL had the lowest. In addition, significant differences were observed for all the obesity-related indications between adolescents with low PPL and those with medium PPL (p-adjusted < 0.05 for all indicators), as well as with those with high PPL (p-adjusted < 0.05 for all indicators). Moreover, these significant differences were also shown for most indicators between adolescents with medium PPL and those with high PPL (except for obesity). Physical literacy could play a crucial role in maintaining more desirable obesity-related outcomes in adolescents. Adolescents with high perceived physical literacy showed lower obesity-related indicators (i.e., body mass index, body mass index z score, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, skinfolds), as well as a lower probability of having excess weight, obesity, and abdominal obesity.

Ergonomics assessment of drudgery in rice-wheat production system in India: a case study of women farmers

Farm women are often forced to work in extremely hazardous conditions due to their limited access to improved agricultural technologies. This circumstance makes agricultural work physically demanding, requiring significant physiological effort and the maintenance of good posture. It is also very exhausting, time-consuming, and stressful. The study was designed to evaluate and quantify the drudgery involved in the rice-wheat production system for rural women. Three replications of a 10-min work cycle without a break were used to assess the physiological and postural demands of various farm tasks on the female workers. Observations were recorded on farm women workers who were in normal health, without any major illness, and regularly involved in farm operations. In the attempt to obtain and analyze the prioritized drudgery experiences in crop production activities through drudgery assessment and reduction, various ergonomically sound farm tools and implements were provided for crop cultivation and intercultural operations. Data indicating musculoskeletal disorders were analyzed by ergonomics assessment of postural and biomechanical assessments using the Human Physical Drudgery Index (HPDI), resulting in the maximum drudgery reflecting very high risk in transplanting (48.4%), followed by threshing (47.2%), load carrying (46.00%), and harvesting (45.14%). For physiological ergonomics quantifications, the most drudgery-prone activities in the rice-wheat production system, i.e., transplanting, harvesting, threshing &amp;amp; post-harvest, and load carrying, were evaluated, and it was found that drudgery is caused by different activities with reflects working energy expenditure rate ranging from ~7.00 to 12.00 (kJ/min) and total cardiac cost of work (TCCW) ~ 331.00 to 524.00. Multivariate regression analysis was employed to drive relationships between energy expenditure rate (dependent variable) and other independent variables, such as age, body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), calf circumference (CC), skinfold measurements, body density (D), % body fat, fat mass, and fat-free mass (kg). It was found that energy expenditure rate during various crop production practices is positively correlated with independent variables (R = 0.721, R2 = 0.520, Adjusted R2 = 0.518, Standard Error of Estimate = 0.0324, Durbin-Watson = 1.531). It was found that with higher physiological parameters, the corresponding energy expenditure is maximized relating to the drudgery in respective agricultural activities. The present study addressed the magnitude of drudgery for women farmers in the rice-wheat production system and its mitigation strategy.

Seasonal variability in body mass index, waist circumference, and skinfolds in Norwegian children.

Studies have shown that children develop a higher body weight during summer months. This has been demonstrated repeatedly using the body mass index (BMI), but the effect of season on other weight-related anthropometric measurements is still unclear. Measurements of height, weight, waist circumference (WC), triceps, and subscapular skinfolds (TSF and SSF), collected from September till May in a cross-sectional sample of 4-16-year-old children and adolescents (n = 4525) from the Bergen Growth Study 1 (BGS1). Differences in z-score by season were tested with linear models adjusted for age group and separately for sex. Overall differences were tested with a one-way between-group analysis of variance. The girls had higher BMIz (+0.12, p = .03) and WCz (+0.18, p = .002) in fall compared with spring. TSFz (-0.19, p < .001) and SSFz (-0.18, p < .001) were lower in winter in girls, and in boys both in fall (TSFz -0.10, p = .046; SSFz - 0.16, p < .001), and winter (TSFz -0.15, p = .004; SSFz -0.14, p = .003), when compared with spring. Seasonal variation was detected for all anthropometric measures, but differences in the direction of the effect between measures of global (BMI), central (WC) or subcutaneous (SF) adiposity suggest a more complex mechanism that needs further exploration.

Prevalence and Determinants of Childhood Obesity among Primary School Pupils in Edo State: A Cross-Sectional Study

Childhood obesity is a global health concern associated with various adverse health outcomes. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence of childhood obesity and explore the factors contributing to obesity among primary school pupils in Edo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 1,805 pupils from sixteen schools in Edo State. Data on body composition, including weight, height, arm circumference, and skin folds measurements, were collected by qualified nurses and research assistants. Additionally, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a food consumption pattern questionnaire (FCPQ) were administered to assess the pupils' food consumption patterns. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 23, including frequency distributions, percentage distributions, mean, standard deviations, chi-square and independent samples t-test statistics. The study found out that 14% of pupils in the state were obese, and that skipping lunch, eating alone and engaging in physical activities after school had a significant relationship with the prevalence of obesity (p = 0.049, 0.040 and 0.035 respectively). Also, children in urban areas had a higher likelihood of obesity compared to those from rural areas (p &lt; 0.000), while girls exhibited slightly higher prevalence of obesity compared to boys, though the difference is insignificant (p = 0.769). The study concluded that the prevalence of childhood obesity is high in Edo State of Nigeria, and that the determinants of this prevalence include dietary patterns, cultural factors, and gender. Keywords: Childhood obesity, prevalence, determinants, primary school pupils, Edo State, Nigeria

Clinical and imaging features of women with polygenic partial lipodystrophy: a case series.

Familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD) is an inherited disorder of white adipose tissue that causes premature cardiometabolic disease. There is no clear diagnostic criteria for FPLD, and this may explain the under-detection of this condition. This pilot study aimed to describe the clinical features of women with FPLD and to explore the value of adipose tissue measurements that could be useful in diagnosis. In 8 women with FPLD and 4 controls, skinfold measurements, DXA and whole-body MRI were undertaken. Whole genome sequencing was negative for monogenic metabolic causes, but polygenic scores for partial lipodystrophy were elevated in keeping with FPLD type 1. The mean age of diagnosis of DM was 31 years in the FPLD group. Compared with controls, the FPLD group had increased HOMA-IR (10.3 vs 2.9, p = 0.028) and lower mean thigh skinfold thickness (19.5 mm vs 48.2 mm, p = 0.008). The FPLD group had lower percentage of leg fat and an increased ratio of trunk to leg fat percentage on DXA. By MRI, the FPLD group had decreased subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) volume in the femoral and calf regions (p < 0.01); abdominal SAT, visceral adipose tissue, and femoral and calf muscle volumes were not different from controls. Women with FPLD1 in Singapore have significant loss of adipose but not muscle tissue in lower limbs and have early onset of diabetes. Reduced thigh skinfold, and increased ratio of trunk to leg fat percentage on DXA are potentially clinically useful markers to identify FPLD1.

Body Composition Variation among U-19 Futsal National Team Players from Bosnia and Herzegovina According to Playing Position

Elite futsal players in addition to other characteristics, must have suitable anthropometric and body composition according to their playing position. The research aimed to determine body composition of Bosnia and Herzegovina U-19 national futsal team players and also determine differences in anthropometric and body composition of players according to their playing position. The sample of respondents consisted of Bosnia and Herzegovina U-19 National Futsal Team players (n=14, average age 18.07±0.48 yrs, body height 181.40±5.72 cm, and body weight 77.66±10.60 kg). Anthropometric characteristics and body composition were evaluated by a battery of 11 variables: body height (BH), body mass (BM), triceps skinfold (TS), biceps skinfold (BiS), back skinfold (BS), abdominal skinfold (AS), upper leg skinfold (UlS), lower leg skinfold (LlS), body mass index (BMI), fat percentage (FP), and muscle mass percentages (MP). Futsal players were divided according to their positions in the team into goalkeepers, defenders, wingers and pivots. Based on ANOVA and post-hoc tests, the findings showed that there were significant differences between groups in 8 out of 11 anthropometric parameters. So, in relation to this, the main findings of the study indicate that: i) goalkeepers and pivots have significantly higher body mass and percentage of fat compared to defenders and wingers; ii) goalkeepers have a higher BMI than all other players, while pivots have higher BMI values than defenders and wingers; iii) muscle mass favors goalkeepers and pivots over wingers; iv) goalkeepers had significantly higher values in triceps and biceps skinfold measurements compared to other players, as well as in lower leg skinfold compared to defenders and wingers, and in back skinfold compared to wingers. Although this study is significant, because it examines the morphology of elite futsal players and indicates certain differences in the anthropometric characteristics of futsal players according to the positions in the team. However, we must interpret these results cautiously due to the limited sample size of participants.

Comparison of international height and BMI-for-age growth references and their correlation with adiposity in Brazilian schoolchildren.

This study verified the diagnostic accuracy of the nutritional status classified by the international height and BMI references of the World Health Organization (WHO) (WHO/2007), International Obesity Task Force (IOTF/2012) and MULT (2023). The data pool was composed by 22737 subjects aged five to 16 years from the Santos and Porto Alegre surveys. A correlation matrix between the z-scores of the BMI references and the skinfold measurements was calculated through the Pearson correlation coefficient (r), and the subject's nutritional status was classified according to the international growth references. The accuracy for diagnosing obesity was performed separately by sex and using the 95th percentile of the triceps and subscapular skinfold sum, while Lin's concordance coefficient, Bland-Altman method and the Cohen's Kappa coefficient (Kappa) were used to verify the concordance and reliability among the BMI references. The correlation matrix showed a high positive correlation among the BMI z-scores (r ≥ 0·99) and among the skinfold measurements (r ≥ 0·86). The prevalence of stunting was higher when applying the MULT reference (3·4 %) compared with the WHO reference (2·3 %). The Bland-Altman plots showed the lowest critical difference (CD) between the height references of WHO and MULT (CD = 0·22). Among the BMI references, the WHO obesity percentile presented lower performance than MULT for boys, presenting a lower +LR value (WHO = 6·99/MULT 18 years = 10·99; 19 years = 8·99; 20 years = 8·09) for the same -LR values (0·04). Therefore, MULT reference holds promise as a valuable tool for diagnosing childhood obesity, particularly when considering sex differences. This enhances its suitability for assessing the nutritional status of Brazilian schoolchildren.

BODY FAT COMPOSITION IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN SKINFOLDS AND ULTRASONOGRAPHY.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are associated with important changes in nutritional status. The aim of the study was to compare body fat composition between two anthropometric methods: skinfolds and ultrasonography, in patients with IBD. Single-center cross-sectional study with IBD patients in remission or active disease. For the agreement analysis between the body fat assessment methods, the Bland Altman method was used. A total of 101 patients with IBD were included, 75 with Crohn's disease and 26 with ulcerative colitis. Approximately 56% of the patients with Crohn's disease and 65.4% of those with ulcerative colitis had a body fat composition above normal levels, with no significant difference between the diseases (P=0.63). The Bland-Altman concordance analysis showed that the methods for assessing the percentage of fat by the adipometer and ultrasound were not in full agreement (P=0.001), despite both presented good correlation (CC 0.961; P=0.000). The analysis of body fat percentage in patients with IBD was different between the skinfolds and ultrasound. Both methods can be used to assess the of body fat percentage of patients with IBD. However, monitoring of body fat sequentially and longitudinally should always be performed using the same method throughout the disease course. Prospective longitudinal studies are warranted to precisely define the role of these two methods of measuring body composition in patients with IBD. • Inflammatory bowel diseases are associated with changes in nutritional status. • Skinfolds measurements and ultrasound are valid methods for assessing body composition and body fat. • These methods despite comparable are not identical and are useful in clinical nutritional practices in IBD.

Changes in body composition and average daily energy expenditure of men and women during arduous extended polar travel.

Weight and skin-fold measurements were made at five-day intervals during a 47-day expedition by six men and three women from the edge of the sea ice to the South Pole. From these, together with detailed manual records of the nutrition for individual participants, the average daily energy expenditure was determined before and after a resupply at approximately mid-point of the expedition. For all participants body weight fell during the expedition with the overall loss being much smaller for the three female participants (-4.0, -4.0, -4.4kg) than for the male participants, (mean±sd) -8.6±2.0kg. Fat weight fell approximately linearly during the expedition with a total loss of (-4.1, -6.5 and -2.5kg) for the three female participants and -6.8±1.7kg for the male participants. Individual fat-free weight changed by a smaller amount overall: (0.13, 2.5 and -1.8kg) for the three female participants; -1.8±2.0kg for the male participants who, with one exception, lost fat-free tissue All participants showed a substantial variation in fat-free tissue weight during the expedition. Analysis of the daily energy expenditure showed adequate nutrition but the intake fell for the second part of the expedition although the reasons for this are unclear, but adaptation to the cold, altitude and workload are possible explanations. The validity of this time-averaged measurement for individual participants was determined from analysing moments about the mean of time-series actigraphy data from wrist worn devices. The mean and autocorrelation function of the actigraphy data across subjects were analysed to determine whether measures could be compared between participants. The first, second and third moment about the mean of the day-to-day activity was found to be time-invariant for individual subjects (χ2, p>0.05) and the normalized mean and autocorrelation measured over a day for each participant indistinguishable from the mean of the group (χ2, p>0.05) allowing both longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis.

Associação entre indicadores antropométricos na infância e densidade mineral óssea na idade adulta

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to verify the association between childhood anthropometric indicators and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in adulthood. Methods: Repeated measures of 137 subjects (68 females) were obtained in childhood (9.2±1.5 years of age) and adulthood (22.3±1.7 years of age). aBMD (g/cm2) was assessed for whole body, lumbar spine, upper and lower limbs, and femoral neck in adulthood using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Anthropometric measurements of body weight (BW), height, triceps and subscapular skinfolds were obtained in childhood. The anthropometric indicators used were BW, body mass index (BMI), and sum of skinfolds (ΣSF). Simple linear regression was used to assess the association between childhood anthropometric indicators and aBMD in adulthood, controlled by chronological age and stratified by sex, with 5% statistical significance. Results: In females, multiple associations were observed between anthropometric indicators and aBMD, with higher coefficients for BMI (β=0.020; R2=0.20; p&lt;0.01 for right femoral neck to β=0.008; R2=0.16; p&lt;0.01 for upper limbs), followed by BW (β=0.003; R2=0.21; p&lt;0.01 for upper limbs to β=0.008; R2=0.20; p&lt;0.01 for right femoral neck) and ΣSF (β=0.001; R2=0.06; p&lt;0.01 for upper limbs to β=0.005; R2=0.12; p&lt;0.01 for right femoral neck). In males, associations were observed only for the lumbar spine region (β=0.016; R2=0.09 for BMI to β=0.004; R2=0.06; p&lt;0.01 for ΣSF). Conclusions: Anthropometric indicators of childhood proved to be sensitive predictors of aBMD in adulthood, especially in females. BMI indicated a greater association with aBMD in both sexes.