Skinfold Thickness Measurements Research Articles

Type 1 diabetes and body composition in youth: A systematic review.

An increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity was reported in youth with type 1 diabetes, likely due to the intensive insulin treatment and/or an unhealthy lifestyle. Analyses of body composition may help describe the real increase in fat mass, which contributes to the diabetes-related cardio-metabolic risk. This systematic review evaluated the current literature on body composition assessments in youth with type 1 diabetes and the potential association with cardio-metabolic, functional, or behavioural risk factors. A systematic search of literature studies reporting assessments of body composition in youth with type 1 diabetes published until April 2018 was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Twenty-three articles with different study designs reported assessments of body composition. The following methods were used to assess body composition: computerized dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (n = 10), bioelectrical impedance analysis (n = 8), skinfold thickness measurement (n = 4), and air displacement plethysmography (n = 1). Higher fat mass values were found in youth with type 1 diabetes in seven of the 13 studies that included a healthy control group. Most studies investigating the association between body composition and cardio-metabolic risk factors showed that youth with higher fat mass levels had poor glycaemic control, dyslipidaemia, or higher blood pressure. Assessments of body composition may represent a useful clinical procedure to support decision-making in type 1 diabetes management. Further research is needed to standardize the assessment of body composition and develop a consensus guideline.

In overweight and obese women, fetal ultrasound biometry accurately predicts newborn measures.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between fetal ultrasound and newborn biometry and adiposity measures in the setting of maternal obesity. The study population involved 845 overweight or obese pregnant women, who participated in the Standard Care Group of the LIMIT randomised trial (ACTRN12607000161426, 9/03/2007). At 36weeks gestation, fetal biometry, estimated fetal weight (EFW) and adiposity measures including mid-thigh fat mass (MTFM), subscapular fat mass (SSFM), and abdominal fat mass (AFM) were undertaken using ultrasound. Neonatal anthropometric measurements obtained after birth included birthweight, head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and skinfold thickness measurements (SFTM) of the subscapular region and abdomen. At 36weeks gestation, every 1g increase in EFW was associated with a 0.94g increase in birthweight (95% CI 0.88-0.99; P<0.001). For every 1mm increase in the fetal ultrasound measure, there was a 0.69mm increase in birth HC (95% CI 0.63-0.75, P<0.001) and 0.69mm increase in birth AC (95% CI 0.60-0.79, P<0.001). Subscapular fat mass in the fetus and the newborn (0.29mm, 95% CI 0.20-0.39, P<0.001) were moderately associated, but AFM measurements were not (0.06mm, -0.03 to 0.15, P=0.203). There is no evidence that these relationships differed by maternal body mass index. In women who are overweight or obese, fetal ultrasound accurately predicts neonatal HC and AC along with birthweight.

Comparison of Different Methods Used to Assess Body Composition in College Aged Athletes

With the prevalence of obesity increasing to almost 40% as of 2016 and the vast amount of health complications known to be associated with being overweight or obese, knowing one’s body composition is increasingly important. The American College of Sports Medicine has recommended values for % body fat that places individuals into different categories (from very lean to very poor), based on sex and age. However, these categories of % body fat are based on the use of Skinfold Thickness measurements. There are now numerous ways in which to assess body composition and we don’t know the variability that may exist between these methods. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the most common methods of measuring body composition that are currently being used today in order to determine- 1) how much of a difference exists between the different techniques, and 2) the relationship of the different methods of measuring body composition. METHODS: Thirty-nine healthy males (age=20±2 y; body weight=97.38±21.26 kg; height=1.79±0.06m) had their body composition assessed five different ways. Prior to each testing day subjects completed a 10-12 hour fast, did not exercise, and had a Urine Specific Gravity of <1.02. Body composition assessments included skinfold (SF) thickness (Lange Skinfold Caliper), Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA; GE Advanced Prodigy DXA Encore V17 Software), Ultrasound Thickness (US; BodyMetrix), Bioelectric Impedance (BIA; Tanita Body Composition Analyzer, BF-350), and Underwater Weighing (UWW; Exertech Floatweight System). RESULTS: Body fat % for US was 17.62±6.82%, SF 17.69±7.59%, UWW 21.94±8.97%, BIA, 23.64±7.74%, and DXA 24.98±8.63%. In comparison to DXA, % fat was significantly greater than US, SF, and UWW (p<0.001). In respect to the relationship to DXA, correlations ranged from .873 (DXA vs. BIA p=0.001) to .957 (DXA vs SF p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a difference in body fat up to 7.36% can be observed between the different methods assessed. However, the relationship between the different methods is fairly strong. Due to the large variability observed in the different body composition methods assessed, it would suggest the need for developing recommended standard ranges based on the body composition assessment utilized.

Human Milk Short-Chain Fatty Acid Composition is Associated with Adiposity Outcomes in Infants

Presumed benefits of human milk (HM) in avoiding rapid infancy weight gain and later obesity could relate to its nutrient composition. However, data on breast milk composition and its relation with growth are sparse. We investigated whether short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), known to be present in HM and linked to energy metabolism, are associated with infancy anthropometrics. In a prospective birth cohort, HM hindmilk samples were collected from 619 lactating mothers at 4-8 wk postnatally [median (IQR) age: 33.9 (31.3-36.5) y, body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2): 22.8 (20.9-25.2)]. Their offspring, born at 40.1 (39.1-41.0) wk gestation with weight 3.56 (3.22-3.87) kg and 51% male, were assessed with measurement of weight, length, and skinfold thickness at ages 3, 12, and 24 mo, and transformed to age- and sex-adjusted z scores. HM SCFAs were measured by 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and GC-MS. Multivariable linear regression models were conducted to analyze the relations between NMR HM SCFAs and infancy growth parameters with adjustment for potential confounders. NMR peaks for HM butyrate, acetate, and formic acid, but not propionate, were detected. Butyrate peaks were 17.8% higher in HM from exclusively breastfeeding mothers than mixed-feeding mothers (P=0.003). HM butyrate peak values were negatively associated with changes in infant weight (standardized B =-0.10, P=0.019) and BMI (B=-0.10, P=0.018) between 3 and 12 mo, and negatively associated with BMI (B=-0.10, P=0.018) and mean skinfold thickness (B=-0.10, P=0.049) at age 12 mo. HM formic acid peak values showed a consistent negative association with infant BMI at all time points (B<=-0.10, P<=0.014), whereas HM acetate was negatively associated with skinfold thickness at 3 mo (B=-0.10, P=0.028) and 24 mo (B=-0.10, P=0.036). These results suggest that HM SCFAs play a beneficial role in weight gain and adiposity during infancy. Further knowledge of HM SCFA function may inform future strategies to support healthy growth.

PO-02-021 Appearance anxiety can be an independent risk factor for female sexual dysfunction

Investigation of the relationship between the levels of appearance anxiety and female sexual function index parameters in women was aimed at the current epidemiologic survey. Sexual active women who have a stable heterosexual relationship at least six months were the subjects of the study. Following informed consent demographic features, medical history, anthropometric measurements including body mass index (BMI), skinfold thickness (SFT) measurements from three different regions of the body (Triceps, Scapula, Abdomen) and waist circumference (WC) were obtained and recorded by the researchers. Finally, subjects were asked to fill Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI) to measure the severity of appearance anxiety, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Among participants, Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) was termed who have below 26.50 points in FSFI total score as previously accepted. Nonparametric Spearman’s correlation test and Hosmer –Lemeshow test for multivariate logistic regression analyses were used with SPSS 21.0.

RETRACTED: A comparison of bioelectrical impedance analysis and skinfold measurements with Medix DR Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for assessment of body fat percentage

Objectives: Body composition can be evaluated using a variety of methods to estimate body fat percentage, but methods tend to vary in precision. The aim of our study is to compare skinfold thickness measurement and bioelectrical impedance analysis to dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry for the estimation of body fat percentage in healthy adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to examine and compare body fatness percentage of health adult men and women with three different assessment methods: skinfold thickness measurement (caliper, West Sussex, UK; equations, Jackson and Pollock's and Peterson et al.’s), bioelectrical impedance analysis (Tanita BC 541, Tanita Co., Tokyo, Japan), and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (Medix DR, Medilink, France). Results: Sixty-eight healthy adults aged 19–73 years (34 ± 14.5 years) participated. Mean body fat percentage assessed by DXA (23.2 ± 5.4%) was much less than the body fat percentage estimated by Skinfold using Peterson et al.’s formula (31.7 ± 6.6%), but the relationship between the two was the strongest (r = 0.903, P = 0.000). Bioelectrical impedance analysis (24.9 ± 8.1%) and Skinfold with J&P's (26.3 ± 9.7%) tended to underestimate DXA-derived body fat percentage in lean and overestimate it in overweight. Body fat percentage produced by Medix DR DXA showed different pattern comparing with other studies in literature, which indicates that more caution should be taken when comparing with other manufactures’ results.

The relative accuracy of skinfolds compared to four-compartment estimates of body composition

Body composition estimates using skinfold thickness are common in field settings and can provide a reasonably accurate measure when more advanced technology is unavailable. However, the observed error between skinfolds and criterion body composition measures may be influenced by the methodology used to derive the criterion measure. The aim of this study was to examine the relative accuracy of body composition estimates derived from measures of skinfold thickness when compared to four-compartment (4C) models that utilize underwater weighing (UWW) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived body volume (BV). The sample consisted of adult males (n=96) and females (n=91) who were apparently healthy (age=21.85±4.82 years; BMI=24.45±4.62kg/m2). %Fat was assessed via skinfold using three common equations. BV assessed via UWW and DXA were used to estimate %Fat derived as part of a 4C model. Between group differences were assessed using a repeated measures analysis of variance. %Fat4C ranged from 4.7 to 39.7 %Fat (21.9±8.1 %Fat). Estimated %FatSF using the SF7 Jackson, SF7 Evans, and SF4 Peterson were significantly lower than %Fat4C as measured via UWW (-4.8±3.5 %Fat,-3.3±3.9 %Fat,-3.1±6.9 %Fat, respectively, all p<.001). The estimated %FatSF error was lowest when compared to the %Fat4C that used the Smith-Ryan DXA-derived BV equation (-0.2±7.3 to-1.9±4.6 %Fat) and highest for the Wilson DXA-derived BV equation (-6.5±7.1 to-8.3±3.3 %Fat). Skinfold prediction methods can provide reasonable accuracy when estimating %Fat in field settings when more advanced methods are unavailable or undesirable due to increased participant burden. In addition, clinicians and researchers should use caution when selecting a method of estimating body volume via DXA, as the methodology and equation used to derive body volume as part of the 4C model can introduce differences in error.

SUN-135 Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) as a Diagnostic Tool for Familial Partial Lipodystrophy, Dunnigan Variety (FPLD2)

FPLD2 is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by loss of subcutaneous (sc) fat from the extremities but increased fat deposition in the face, neck and abdomen. Most FPLD2 patients (~75%) have “typical” heterozygous missense LMNA mutations affecting the arginine 482 residue and have severe loss of sc fat from the extremities and develop moderate to severe metabolic complications. Other patients have “atypical” mutations with variable loss of sc fat from the extremities and mild to severe metabolic complications. Since genetic testing is expensive, the diagnosis of FPLD2 is usually missed or delayed. Thus, there exists a need for an objective screening tool which can aid in the diagnosis of FPLD2. Therefore, we determined the predictive value of skinfold thickness measurements and various DEXA-based regional body fat parameters for diagnosis of FPLD2. We compared body fat data of 49 adult females (F) and 5 males (M) with FPLD2 to the sex- and age-matched controls (2,459 F, 3,459 M) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2010. Thirty nine patients had “typical” heterozygous p.R482W or p.R482Q LMNA mutation. The other heterozygous LMNA mutations included p.R582S (n = 1), p.R582H (n = 1), p.S583L (n = 3), p.R349W (n = 1), p.R25L (n = 1), p.G523R (n = 2), p.D192V (n = 1), p.L241P (n = 1), p.R62G (n = 2) and p.K515E (n = 2). The mean ± SD age and body mass index of affected F was 42 ± 13.5 y and 25.6 ± 4.5 kg/m2, respectively; and of affected M was 45.4 ± 11.6 y and 29.2 ± 7.0 kg/m2, respectively. Hypertriglyceridemia and diabetes mellitus were present in 74% and 52% of the FPLD2 patients, respectively. Our data revealed that the lower limb fat %, as well as the ratio of lower limb fat %/ truncal fat %, in all affected females were ≤ 1st percentile (%ile) of the controls, except in two patients, one of whom had a p.G523R mutation, and the other had a p.R482Q mutation but had an unusual excess fat accumulation in the medial part of the thighs and knees. All FPLD2 females had triceps skinfold thickness values ≤ 1st %ile of NHANES except in three patients. The subscapular skinfold thickness values in females on the other hand, were between the 5th to 99th %ile of NHANES. Unfortunately, data for thigh skinfold thickness were not available from NHANES. The lower limb fat % in affected males was below 25th %ile of controls. We conclude that DEXA-derived lower limb fat % and the ratio of lower limb fat %/ truncal fat % are the best predictors of FPLD2 diagnosis in females but not in males. Women with values of lower limb fat % (~ 20% or less) and the ratio of lower limb fat %/ truncal fat % (~ 0.85 or less), both of which are below the 1st %ile of NHANES data, should be further evaluated for diagnosis of FPLD2, especially if presenting with metabolic complications.

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms are associated with triceps skin fold thickness and body fat percentage but not with body mass index or waist circumference in Han Chinese

BackgroundEvidence shows that low serum vitamin D concentrations account for an increased risk of obesity by inducing vitamin D receptor (VDR) hypofunction. Although the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of VDR gene and obesity-related anthropometric measures (such as body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference[WC]) has already been tested, there are only few studies on the association between direct measures of body fat percentage (BFP) and triceps skinfold thickness and the SNPs of VDR. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of VDR gene polymorphism on multiple obesity indexes in Han Chinese, including BMI, WC, BFP and triceps skinfold thickness.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, five hundred and seventeen healthy Chinese adults were enrolled in the trial. Four loci in VDR gene (rs2228570 [FokI], rs2189480, rs2239179 and rs7975232[ApaI]) were genotyped by TaqMan probe assays. Obesity indexes including BMI, WC, BFP and triceps skinfold thickness were used to evaluate the relationship to the VDR SNPs. Multiple logistic regression, linear regression and general multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) were performed to analyze the correlation of VDR gene and obesity indexes.ResultsNone of the VDR SNPs were associated with BMI and WC, the C allele of FokI and the T allele of ApaI were associated with an increase in BFP (β = 0.069,P = 0.007; β = 0.087, P = 0.022 respectively); the G allele of rs2239179 and the T allele of ApaI were associated with an increase in triceps skin fold thickness (β = 0.074, P = 0.001; β = 0.122, P < 0.001 respectively). In regards to adiposity-related metabolic parameters, we found that the GT genotype of ApaI was associated with higher level of total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.013) and Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P = 0.001).ConclusionsThough we failed to prove that VDR SNPs were in correlation with BMI and WC, we did establish the association between VDR variants and BFP, as well as triceps skinfold thickness. Data obtained suggested that the VDR variants play an important role in regulating adipose tissue activity and adiposity among Han Chinese.

Microparticle Responses to Aerobic Exercise and Meal Consumption in Healthy Men.

Microparticles (MP) are shed extracellular vesicles that express the prothrombotic tissue factor (TF). Aerobic exercise may reduce MP count and TF expression. This study investigated the impact of acute running or rest followed by standardized meal consumption on MP phenotypes and TF expression. Fifteen males (age, 22.9 ± 3.3 yr; body mass, 81.9 ± 11.4 kg; V˙O2max, 54.9 ± 6.5 mL·kg·min; mean ± SD) completed 1 h of running (70% V˙O2max) or rest at 9:00 AM and consumed a standardized meal (1170 kcal, 43% CHO, 17% PRO, 40% fat) at 10:45 AM. Venous blood samples were taken at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 11:30 AM. The MP concentration, diameter, phenotypes, and TF expression were assessed using nanoparticle tracking analysis and flow cytometry. Nanoparticle tracking analysis identified no changes in MP concentration or diameter in response to time or trial. Flow cytometry revealed total MP count increased from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM (1.62 ± 2.28 to 1.74 ± 2.61 × 10 L, P = 0.016, effect size (η) = 0.105), but was unaffected by trial. TF platelet-derived MP % reduced from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM (44.0% ± 21.2% to 21.5% ± 9.3%, P = 0.001, η = 0.582) after exercise only (control, 36.8% ± 18.2% to 34.9% ± 11.9%; P = 0.972). TF neutrophil-derived MP percentage reduced from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM (42.3% ± 17.2% to 25.1% ± 14.9%; P = 0.048, η = 0.801) in the exercise trial only (control, 28.5% ± 15.7% to 32.2% ± 9.6%; P = 0.508). Running induced a significant reduction in %TF platelet and neutrophil MP, suggesting a transient reduction in cardiovascular risk via reduced TF-stimulated thrombosis. This requires further investigation over longer periods in cardiovascular disease populations.

Skinfold thickness for rivastigmine patch application in Alzheimer's disease.

Rivastigmine patches are used for patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), but little is known about the serum concentration of rivastigmine and its metabolite or clinical adherence in relation to skinfold thickness after rivastigmine patch application. The aim of this study was to examine the association between rivastigmine and NAP 226-90 serum concentration and skinfold thickness and to determine the appropriate skinfold thickness for the use of rivastigmine patch in patients with AD. Patients with AD who continuously used rivastigmine patches (4.6mg/24h, 5cm2) for more than 6months were recruited. The serum concentrations of rivastigmine and NAP 226-90 were measured. Skinfold thickness was measured using a Lange Skinfold Caliper. In total, 91 patients with AD (40 men and 51 women) participated in this study on skinfold thickness measurement. Among them, 27 patients were examined for rivastigmine and NAP 226-90 serum concentrations, with mean concentrations of 1.0 ± 0.6ng/mL and 3.6 ± 3.6ng/mL, respectively. The skinfold thickness in the subscapular area was significantly negatively correlated with the NAP 226-90 serum concentration (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient = - 0.47, P = .01). In addition, patients with AD and a subscapular skinfold thickness of ≥25mm exhibited a significantly high risk of decreased Mini-Mental Status Examination score and nonadherence to a rivastigmine patch (odds ratio 3.00; 95% confidence interval = 1.076-8.366, P = .03). Subscapular skinfold thickness was significantly negatively correlated with the NAP 226-90 serum concentration and may be considered an appropriate predictor of response and adherence to clinical application of a rivastigmine patch.

A Practical report on measurements of skinfold thickness as a monitoring measure for a conditioning purpose

A Practical report on measurements of skinfold thickness as a monitoring measure for a conditioning purpose

Assessment of nutritional status and bone health in neurologically impaired children: a challenge in pediatric clinical practice.

Introduction: neurologically impaired children frequently experience nutritional disorders and bone health complications. Our aim was firstly to analyze a method to interpret bone mineral density (BMD) accurately in neurologically impaired children. Secondly, to determine its relationship with the nutritional status and micronutrient levels in order to identify which factors are associated with low BMD. Methods: a observational multicenter study was conducted in children with moderate-to-severe neurological impairment. Data collected included: medical records, anthropometric measures, hematologic and biochemical evaluation. BMD was measured with Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and z-scores were calculated adjusting for sex and chronological age. Secondly, BMD z-scores were calculated applying height age (age at which the child's height would be in 2nd percentile) instead of chronological age. Results: fifty-two children were included (aged 4-16 years). Seventeen patients (32.7%) received feeding by gastrostomy tube. Height and BMI z-score were below 2SD in 64% and 31% of patients respectively, with normal mid upper arm circumference and skinfold thickness measurements. Low vitamin-D levels were found in 42% of cases. 50% of patients evidenced low BMD when calculated for chronological age, whereas only 34.5% showed BMD z-score <-2 when calculated for height age. No correlation was observed between BMD and vitamin-D levels, weight and height z-scores or age when BMD was calculated applying height age. Conclusions: the prevalence of low BMD is high in neurologically impaired children, and it is probably multifactorial. In these children, we suggest adjusting BMD for height age, in order not to over diagnose low BMD.

Anthropometric cutoff points to identify lipodystrophy characteristics in people living with HIV/AIDS: an observational study.

Introduction: currently, there is no consensus regarding accurate and low-cost methods for diagnosing lipodystrophy in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The aim of this study was to propose anthropometric cutoff points for the diagnosis of lipodystrophy among PLWHA. Methods: we included 106 PLWHA (men = 65, women = 41) who are under antiretroviral therapy and have been clinically classified into either a "lipodystrophy" or "non-lipodystrophy" group. Anthropometric measurements included 19 regions of body perimeters and 6 skinfold thickness measures. The Youden index was used to establish anthropometric cutoff points for the diagnosis of lipodystrophy, using the mean values of the anthropometric data (referred to as "original") along with the "Z index" (ZI) values, which were adjusted by the "Phantom Strategy." The cutoff points were proposed when "original" anthropometric measurements and ZI values had a statistical significance of p < 0.01 and an area under the curve (AUC) higher than 70%. The size effect was assessed to verify the influence of lipodystrophy on each anthropometric measure. Results: our data analysis proposes sex-specific cutoff points for the diagnosis of lipodystrophy in PLWHA - 17 points using the "original" anthropometric measurements, and 20 using the ZI values (average effect size between 1.0 and 1.1, and AUC = 76.7% and 78%). Conclusions: our study proposes accurate cutoff points for the diagnosis of lipodystrophy using "original" anthropometric measurements and ZI values adjusted by the "Phantom Strategy." Our findings support the use of anthropometric measurements as a simplified method for diagnosing lipodystrophy and monitoring body composition alterations in people living with HIV/AIDS.

Age- and Sex-Related Percentiles of Skinfold Thickness, Waist and Hip Circumference, Waist-to-Hip Ratio and Waist-to-Height Ratio: Results from a Population-Based Pediatric Cohort in Germany (LIFE Child)

Background: Skinfold thickness (ST), waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC) measurements are simple methods for assessing fat tissue at defined body parts. We examined these parameters in a cohort of healthy children and adolescents in Leipzig. Our study provides current percentile curves for biceps, triceps, subscapular and iliac crest ST, plus WC, HC, waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio. Methods: 6,344 visits were recorded involving 2,363 individuals from 3 to 16 years in age. Continuous age- and gender-related percentiles (3rd, 10th, median, 90th, 97th percentiles) were estimated using Cole’s LMS method. Results: For biceps and triceps ST, boys show a peak at the beginning of adolescence with a subsequent decrease, while percentile values among girls rise across the age range. Subscapular and iliac crest percentiles also show increasing curves with disproportionately high values for P90 and P97. Boys show higher values of WC, girls have higher levels of HC. WC and HC median percentiles constantly increase in both sexes with a plateau at the age of 16 for girls. Conclusion: Trends for all parameters of body fat are in line with other national and international studies. Unlike the KiGGS study, our study provides circumference data across the whole of our age range, i.e. from 3 to 16 years.

406: The association between one abnormal value on oral glucose tolerance test and neonatal diabetic markers

Infants who are large for gestational age (LGA) are more likely than other infants to be obese in childhood, adolescence and early adulthood, and are inherently at a higher risk of cardiovascular and metabolic complications in adulthood. We aimed to investigate the association between pregnancies with one abnormal value (OAV) in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to neonatal skinfold thickness and umbilical cord C-peptide. This was a prospective controlled trial performed from January 2016 - May 2018. Included were women with OAV in the OGTT performed between 24-28 weeks of gestation, who delivered at the Edith Wolfson Medical Center. The control group included normoglycemic women, who delivered during the same time period. The following 'diabetic' variables were measured: maternal HbA1C and blood glucose level (on admission), umbilical cord (UC) C-peptide concentration, and neonatal skinfold thickness at 3 sites. Maternal and obstetric characteristics, and the 'diabetic variables, were compared between the OAV group and the control group. LGA was defined as birthweight (BW) >90th % and macrosomia was defined as BW>4000 gram. As compared to the control group (n=56), the OAV group (n=84) was older, 33.4±5 years vs. 32.5±7 years p=0.002, had lower GA at delivery (p=0.01), increased rate of macrosomia (<0.001) and LGA (p=0.003). Regarding the diabetic variables, as compared to the controls, the OAV group had increased concentration of UC C-peptide (1.7±1.6 vs. 1.3±1.1 units, p=0.007) and increased maternal HbA1C (5.3±0.4 vs. 5.1±0.3 units, p=0.01). Neonatal skinfold thickness measurements did not differ between the groups. By logistic regression analysis after controlling for confounders (birthweight, GA at delivery, and maternal body mass index), LGA was independently associated with the presence of OAV group: aOR 4.7, 95%CI 1.48-14.8, p=0.008. One pathological value on OGTT is associated with increased level of UC C-peptide and increased maternal HbA1C. LGA is independently associated with OAV. These findings indicate the continuum of risk for fetal adiposity that is associated with increasing maternal glucose intolerance in pregnancy.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

External training load, performance markers and body composition of professional road cyclists with-in competitive season

Throughout the competition season, exercise performance and body composition are modified depending on the specific training regime employed as to face the races schedule at the best.During the season, bioelectrical impedance analyses (BIA), weight, body circumferences, skinfold thickness measurements (7 sites), were performed on four professional road cyclists. All measurements were completed in the morning in fasting condition. Training volume and intensity were also monitored within the season. Resistance, reactance and vector length slightly increased over the season, whereas sum of skinfolds showed a slight decrease. On average, external workload did not significantly change over the course of the season. In conclusion, riders body composition improved closer the most important races for the team during the season.

Subcutaneous Adiposity and Nutritional Status Among Children of Eastern-India

Introduction: Skinfold thickness is now considered to be an important indicator of body composition and nutritional status. Assessment of subcutaneous adiposity is becoming very important due to increasing trend of overweight and obesity. The objectives of the present study were to determine age-sex specific subcutaneous adiposity using skinfold thicknesses and its use in assessment of nutritional status among children of Eastern-India.Material and Methods: The investigation was carried out among 1262 children (619 boys; 643 girls) aged 5–12 years of Darjeeling district, West Bengal. Anthropometric measurements of skinfold thickness were recorded using standard procedures. Age-sex specific smooth percentile curves of skinfold thickness were derived using the L, M and S model.Results: Sexual dimorphism was observed in TSF, SSF, SISF, PBF, Σ2SKF and Σ4SKF measurements between sexes in children (p&lt;0.05). Age-sex specific mean values of skinfold thicknesses of TSF, SSF, SISF and PBF of girls were observed to be significantly higher than boys (p&lt;0.05). The age-sex specific mean values of BSF, TSF, SSF, SISF, Σ4SKF and PBF did not show any age-specific trend in children. Comparison with the NHANES-III data showed poor attainment of subcutaneous adiposity and nutritional status.Conclusion: Results of the present study showed the age-sex specific variations in subcutaneous adiposity pattern in children. The comparisons of skinfold thicknesses with references showed unsatisfactory nutritional status among children. These findings are important for future investigations in field, epidemiological and clinical settings.

Human Body Water Composition Measurement:Methods and Clinical Application

Being the largest single component of the human body,water is essential for life. Disease can lead to salt and water imbalance, and it is particularly important to measure the content and distribution of water in body. The current body water measurement methods are still not mature,and it's even hard to measure extracellular and intracellular water. Isotope dilution method(ID),bioelectrical impedance analysis(BIA),skinfold thickness measurement,and resonant cavity perturbation(RCP)are the commonly used methods for measuring human body water composition. This paper analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of these methods and concludes that all these four methods can be used to measure total body water;more specifically,ID and BIA can measure extracellular water and intracellular water,whereas BIA is more suitable for clinical applications such as monitoring of fluid balance,guiding of fluid management,assessment of lymphedema and nutritional risk,and management of obesity. Body water measurement will play more important roles in diagnosis,prevention,treatment,and prognosis of diseases.

Early detection of childhood obesity through extended routine growth monitoring of children below two years of age in the Asia Pacific region.

Introduction Increased body fat deposition during early life predisposes to higher obesity and metabolic disorder risks in later life. This is particularly relevant in the Asia Pacific region where historically prevalent under-nutrition is now been paralleled or even overruled by over-nutrition over the last few decades. This overview aims to evaluate the potential of early detection of obesity (risk) among experts through addition of specific growth monitoring assessments in children during the first two years of life. Methods A discussion among experts from Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Australia on infant growth and a qualitative evaluation of current practice highlighted the need to measure body composition to assess the quality of growth. Current tools are mainly directed towards simple anthropometric measures such as body weight, length and head circumference which do not adequately reflect concurrent changes in body composition to detect early life adiposity development. Recent findings have shown benefits of measurement such as the sum of four skinfold thickness (S4SFT) during the first two years of life for risk assessment of later overweight/obesity. We recommend this assessment for routine practice as a proxy for fat deposition in young children. Further studies to understand implementation hurdles and cost-effectiveness of S4SFT and health outcomes in young children in the Asia Pacific region are necessary. Conclusion Inclusion of four skinfold thickness measurements as part of routine growth monitoring assessment, in addition to weight and height, could be recommended to assess adiposity development in early life allowing identification of infants at risk for obesity.