Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

K O'Dea

Publications and source records attributed to K O'Dea.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Increase in prevalence of obesity and diabetes and decrease in plasma cholesterol in a central Australian aboriginal community.

OBJECTIVE: To document change in prevalence of obesity, diabetes and other cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, and trends in dietary macronutrient intake, over an eight-year period in a rural Aboriginal community in central Australia. DESIGN: Sequential cross-sectional community surveys in 1987, 1991 and 1995. SUBJECTS: All adults (15 years and over) in the community were invited to participate. In 1987, 1991 and 1995, 335 (87% of eligible adults), 331 (76%) and 304 (68%), respectively, were surveyed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Body mass index and waist: hip ratio; blood glucose level and glucose tolerance; fasting total and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels; and apparent dietary intake (estimated by the store turnover method). INTERVENTION: A community-based nutrition awareness and healthy lifestyle program, 1988-1990. RESULTS: At the eight-year follow-up, the odds ratios (95% CIs) for CVD risk factors relative to baseline were obesity, 1.84 (1.28-2.66); diabetes, 1.83 (1.11-3.03); hypercholesterolaemia, 0.29 (0.20-0.42); and dyslipidemia (high triglyceride plus low HDL cholesterol level), 4.54 (2.84-7.29). In younger women (15-24 years), there was a trembling in obesity prevalence and a four- to fivefold increase in diabetes prevalence. Store turnover data suggested a relative reduction in the consumption of refined carbohydrates and saturated fats. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions targeting nutritional factors alone are unlikely to greatly alter trends towards increasing prevalences of obesity and diabetes. In communities where healthy food choices are limited, the role of regular physical activity in improving metabolic fitness may also need to be emphasised.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Albuminuria in Australian Aboriginal people: prevalence and associations with components of the metabolic syndrome.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: To examine the prevalence and associations with the metabolic syndrome of albuminuria among Australian Aboriginal people. METHODS: Early-morning urine specimens were collected as part of community-based risk factor surveys assessing the prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in eight remote communities, with a sample size of 1,075 people. Microalbuminuria was defined as urinary albumin : creatinine ratio 3.4-33.9 mg/mmol, macroalbuminuria as albumin: creatinine ratio equal to or greater than 34 mg/mmol. RESULTS: There were high prevalences of microalbuminuria (men 22.2 %, women 26.9 %) and of macroalbuminuria (men 10.4%, women 13.5%). There were highly statistically significant linear associations of microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria with increasing number of coexisting components of the metabolic syndrome (hypertension, glucose intolerance, dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, abdominal obesity): among people with zero, one, two and three to five of these conditions, respectively, prevalence of microalbuminuria was 16%, 20%, 36% and 32% (p < 0.001); prevalence of macroalbuminuria was 2%, 6%, 12% and 32% (p < 0.001). There were independent associations of microalbuminuria with hypertension (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval = 2.36, 1.63-3.42) and diabetes (2.10, 1.28-3.45): macroalbuminuria was independently associated with hypertension (6.39, 3.93-10.4), diabetes (3.49, 1.93-6.28) and abdominal obesity (4.56, 2.40-8.64) and had a weaker association with insulin resistance (1.99, 1.12-3.54). Dyslipidaemia and impaired glucose tolerance were neither independently associated with microalbuminuria or macroalbuminuria, nor was insulin resistance or abdominal obesity independently associated with microalbuminuria. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: There was a strong clustering of albuminuria with components of the metabolic syndrome. Diabetes, hypertension and abdominal obesity are major contributors to high rates of albuminuria among Australian Aboriginal people.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Indirect estimates of body composition are useful for groups but unreliable in individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the usefulness of the body mass index (BMI) in identifying individuals classified as overweight or obese based on estimates of body fat percentage (BF%) obtained by the deuterium dilution (BF%DD) method. In addition, to assess the accuracy of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and skinfold thickness (SFT) measurements in the estimation of body composition of Australians at the individual and group level. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: One hundred and seventeen healthy Australian volunteers of European descent, comprising of 51 males and 66 females, ranging in age from 19 to 77 y. MEASUREMENTS: BMI was calculated from body weight and height. Fat-free mass (FFM) was estimated from measures of total body water (TBW) using deuterium dilution (FFM(DD)), SFT using the equations of Durnin and Womersley (Br J Nutr 1974; 32: 77-97) (FFM(SFT)), and BIA using the equations of Lukaski et al (J Appl Physiol 1986; 60: 1327-1332) (FFM(Lu)), Segal et al (Am J Clin Nutr 1988; 47: 7-14) (FFM(Se)) and Heitmann (Eur J Clin Nutr 1990; 44: 831-837) (FFM(He)). Estimates of fat mass (FM) were calculated as the difference between body weight and FFM, while BF% was calculated by expressing FM as a percentage of body weight. RESULTS: BMI had poor sensitivity and positive predictive value in identifying individuals as being overweight/obese as classified by BF%DD. Furthermore, estimates of FFM (and hence FM) from BIA or SFT could not be used interchangeably with DD, without the risk of considerable error at the individual level. At the group level errors were relatively smaller, though statistically significant. While FFM(SFT) could be corrected by the addition of the bias (1.2 kg in males and 0.8 kg in females), no simple correction was possible with BIA estimates of FFM for any of the equations used. However, an accurate prediction of FFM(DD) was possible from the combination of FFM(He), biceps SFT and mid-arm circumference in both males and females. The bias of this prediction was small (<0.15 kg), statistically non-significant in both sexes, and unrelated to the mean FFM obtained by the two methods. The revision of Heitmann's estimate of FFM using anthropometric variables described in this study had the best sensitivity (79%), specificity (96%) and positive predictive value (92%) in identifying overweight/obese individuals in comparison to the other equations tested. CONCLUSION: BMI was a poor surrogate for body fatness in both males and females. The currently recommended equations for the prediction of body composition from SFT and BIA provided inaccurate estimates of FFM both at the individual and group level as compared to estimates from DD. However, Heitmann's equations, when combined with measures of the biceps SFT and mid-arm circumference, provided better estimates of FFM both at the individual and group level.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2000

Plasma leptin concentrations, basal metabolic rates and respiratory quotients in young and older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To-examine the interrelationship of circulating leptin concentrations, basal metabolic rates (BMR) and respiratory quotients (RQ) in young and older adults. DESIGN: Cross sectional study. SUBJECTS: Seventy-six Australian men and women, 48 young (< 35 y) and 28 older ( > or = 50 y). MEASUREMENTS: Fasting plasma leptin concentrations by RIA, BMR and RQ by indirect calorimetry, percentage body fat (BF%), fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) from total body water (TBW) based on deuterium dilution, waist and hip circumferences from anthropometry. RESULTS: Older subjects had significantly higher BF%, FM and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), but significantly lower FFM and absolute BMR as compared to younger subjects. Absolute leptin concentrations were 60% higher in older subjects but did not achieve statistical significance. There was, however, a significant gender x age group interaction in leptin concentrations. This was reflected in a significant inverse relationship between age group and leptin in women when data was controlled for waist circumference (r = -0.38, P = 0.028), or FM (r = -0.36, P = 0.042). A similar relationship was not observed in men on controlling for BF% or FM. Log transformed plasma leptin was best explained by a model that included BF%, gender, age-group, gender x age-group and WHR r = 0.75, adjusted r2 = 0.56, standard error of estimate (SEE) = 0.73 ng/ml). BMR was best explained by FFM, FM and age group r = 0.94, adjusted r2 = 0.87; SEE = 429 kJ/day). On controlling for BF%, WHR and FFM, leptin was negatively related to RQ only in older men (r = -0.67, P = 0.033). There was no relationship of leptin to BMR in the groups studied. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates an age-related modification of the gender bias in leptin, and a gender-specific inverse relationship between leptin and RQ in older people. The decline in leptin and the lack of a relationship between RQ and leptin in older women may indicate an increased risk of weight gain relative to older men.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2000

Arabinoxylan fiber, a byproduct of wheat flour processing, reduces the postprandial glucose response in normoglycemic subjects.

BACKGROUND: Arabinoxylan (AX) is the major component of dietary fiber in the cereal grains that make up a large proportion of our diet. However, the physiologic effect of AX is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether AX improves postprandial glucose and insulin responses in healthy humans. DESIGN: AX-rich fiber was extracted from the byproduct of wheat-flour processing. Three isoenergic breakfasts, comprising bread, margarine, and jam, had 75 g available carbohydrate, 10 g protein, and 14 g fat and contained 0, 6, and 12 g AX-rich fiber, respectively. Fourteen healthy subjects consumed the 3 breakfast meals in random order on 3 mornings >/=3 d apart after an overnight fast. Blood was taken from the subjects at regular intervals over 2 h and was analyzed for glucose and insulin. The palatability of bread containing AX-rich fiber was compared with that of a control bread. RESULTS: Compared with the control meal containing 0 g AX-rich fiber, the peak postprandial glucose concentration after meals containing 6 and 12 g AX-rich fiber was significantly lower (6. 3 +/- 1.3 compared with 7.2 +/- 1.0 mmol/L, P < 0.01; 5.9 +/- 0.9 compared with 7.2 +/- 1.0 mmol/L, P < 0.001, respectively). The incremental area under the curve (IAUC) for glucose was 20.2% (95% CI: 5.8%, 34.7%; P < 0.01) and 41.4% (25.9%, 56.8%; P < 0.001) lower, whereas IAUC for insulin was 17.0% (2.0%, 32.1%; P < 0.05) and 32. 7% (18.8%, 46.6%; P < 0.001) lower, respectively. Bread containing AX-rich fiber was as pala as 50% whole-wheat bread when evaluated with sensory analysis by 30 volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: Postprandial glucose and insulin responses were improved by ingestion of AX-rich fiber. Further research is required to determine whether AX-rich fiber is of benefit to people with type 2 diabetes.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Arabinoxylan fiber from a by-product of wheat flour processing behaves physiologically like a soluble, fermentable fiber in the large bowel of rats.

Arabinoxylan is a major dietary fiber component of many cereals. Its physiological effects in the colon are largely unknown. This study examined the effects of an arabinoxylan-rich fiber (AX) extracted from a by-product of wheat flour processing in the rat colon compared with well-characterized soluble/rapidly fermentable and insoluble/slowly fermentable fibers. Rats were fed diets containing no fiber (NF) or 100 g/kg of total dietary fiber from AX, guar gum (GG) or wheat bran (WB) for 4 wk. Cecal mass and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) pool were significantly higher while pH was significantly lower in the fiber-supplemented groups, particularly in the AX and GG groups. The pattern of SCFA production in the cecum was altered; AX fiber was a good source for acetate while GG and WB favored propionate and butyrate production, respectively. Fecal output was 7-, 6- and 5-fold higher, respectively, in the AX, GG and WB than in the NF groups (P < 0.01). All epithelial proliferation indices (crypt column height, number of mitotic cells/crypt column and mitotic index) differed significantly across the groups in a descending order of AX > GG > WB > NF. Distal mucosal dipeptidyl peptidase IV activities, which indicate cell differentiation status, were significantly lower in fiber-supplemented groups than in the NF groups. Distal mucosal alkaline phosphatase activities, induced as a response to injury or stress, were significantly higher for the AX and GG groups than for the NF or WB groups (P < 0.001). These results indicate that AX fiber behaves like a rapidly fermentable, soluble fiber in the rat colon.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Effectiveness of a community-directed 'healthy lifestyle' program in a remote Australian aboriginal community.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the sustainability and effectiveness of a community-directed program for primary and secondary prevention of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in an Aboriginal community in north-west Western Australia. METHOD: Evaluation of health outcomes (body mass index, glucose tolerance, and plasma insulin and triglyceride concentrations) in a cohort of high-risk individuals (n = 49, followed over two years) and cross-sectional community samples (n = 200 at baseline, 185 at two-year and 132 at four-year follow-ups), process (interventions and their implementation) and impact (diet and exercise behaviour). RESULTS: For the high-risk cohort, involvement in diet and/or exercise strategies was associated with protection from increases in plasma glucose and triglycerides seen in a comparison group; however, sustained weight loss was not achieved. At the community level, significant reductions were observed in fasting insulin concentration but no change in prevalence of diabetes, overweight or obesity. Weight gain remained a problem among younger people. Sustainable improvements were observed for dietary intake and level of physical activity. These changes were related to supportive policies implemented by the community council and store management. CONCLUSIONS: Community control and ownership enabled embedding and sustainability of program, in association with social environmental policy changes and long-term improvements in important risk factors for chronic disease. IMPLICATIONS: Developmental initiatives facilitating planning, implementation and ownership of interventions by community members and organisations can be a feasible and effective way to achieve sustainable improvements in health behaviours and selected health outcomes among Aboriginal people.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Reduced prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and no change in prevalence of diabetes despite increasing BMI among Aboriginal people from a group of remote homeland communities.

OBJECTIVE: To examine trends in glucose tolerance and coronary risk among Aboriginal people from a group of homeland communities in central Australia during a 7-year follow-up period. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Community-based screenings of adult volunteers were performed in 1988 (n = 437; 93% response rate) and in 1995 (n = 424; 85% response rate). A health promotion intervention program commenced after the 1988 survey that focused on the benefits of exercise and appropriate diet. RESULTS: Mean (95% CI) BMI increased significantly from 22.8 kg/m2 (22.3-23.2) to 24.2 kg/m2 (23.8-24.7) during the follow-up period (P < 0.001). This increase was similar for men and women and across all age-groups. The increase in BMI was greater among subjects residing adjacent to a store compared with those residing in communities located far from a store (P < 0.001). Decreases were evident in the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (from 22.5 to 10.1% among women, P < 0.001; from 12.2 to 6.5% among men, P = 0.074) and hypercholesterolemia (from 36.7 to 25.8% among women, P < 0.01; from 52.4 to 44.0% among men, P = 0.147), but no change was evident in the prevalence of diabetes. Smoking remained rare among women (<4%) and decreased among men (from 52.9 to 40.8%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The trends in glucose intolerance were clearly better than have been observed in other Aboriginal communities. The institution of an intervention program corresponded with reductions in the prevalence of IGT, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking. The prevalence of diabetes remained unaltered despite a significant increase in mean BMI, possibly because of the promotion of increased physical activity levels.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Stability of individual carotenoids, retinol and tocopherols in human plasma during exposure to light and after extraction.

We have modified gradient HPLC procedures for simultaneous quantification of retinol, gamma-tocopherol, alpha-tocopherol, lutein/zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, trans-lycopene, cis-lycopene, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene in 200-microl aliquots of human plasma. The photosensitivity of these analytes in plasma exposed to fluorescent lighting for up to 72 h was investigated and most were stable under these conditions. The stability of these analytes held in darkness at -20 degrees C, 4 degrees C or room temperature for up to 48 h after extraction from plasma was also investigated. Variability in measurement of most analytes was greater at room temperature than at 4 degrees C or -20 degrees C. There were statistically significant variations in the measured concentrations of some analytes in samples kept cold. However, the magnitude of these variations was small and of little biological significance, particularly over the first 24 h.

Carotenoids↗
PubMed1999

Glycated hemoglobin as an indicator of social environmental stress among indigenous versus westernized populations.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed whether glycated hemoglobin concentration, an indicator of psychogenic stress, differs between indigenous populations and non-indigenous reference groups. METHODS: Multivariate and stratified analyses were undertaken of cross-sectional data from multi-center community-based diabetes diagnostic and risk factor screening initiatives in Canada and Australia. Population groups were Australian Aborigines (n = 116), Torres Strait Islanders (n = 156), Native Canadians (n = 155), Greek migrants to Australia (n = 117), and Caucasian Australians (n = 67). Measurements included fasting glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) concentration, fasting and 2-h post-load glucose concentrations, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and demographic variables. RESULTS: Mean HbA(1c) concentrations were greater for indigenous groups than for Greek migrants and Caucasian Australians (P < 0. 0001). The covariate adjusted indigenous versus non-indigenous difference (95% CI) was 0.90 (0.58-1.22) percentage units, 18.2% higher for indigenous people. Stratified analyses indicated greater HbA(1c) for indigenous than for non-indigenous persons with normoglycemia (P = 0.009), impaired glucose tolerance (P = 0.097), and diabetes (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: HbA(1c) concentrations are greater for indigenous than for non-indigenous groups. Social changes, low control, and living conditions associated with westernization may be inherently stressful at the biological level for indigenous populations in westernized countries.

Acculturation↗
PubMed1999

Dietary composition affects regional body fat distribution and levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) in post-menopausal women with Type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare effects of a high carbohydrate (high-CHO) and a monounsaturated fat diet (high-MUFA) on body fat distribution and sex hormones in post-menopausal women with Type 2 diabetes. DESIGN: Randomised cross-over with no washout. SETTING: Geelong Hospital outpatient. SUBJECTS: Thirty four women were recruited, 30 completed the study, and data are presented for 21 women compliant to the high-CHO diet. INTERVENTIONS: Women followed a high-CHO diet (20% energy (%E) from fat, 60%E from carbohydrate and a high-MUFA diet (40%E from fat, half as monounsaturated fat, 40%E from carbohydrate) in random order for 12 weeks each. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dietary compliance was measured by change in linoleic acid (C18:2,omega-6) in plasma cholesteryl esters. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fasting concentrations of glucose and insulin were measured in plasma. Steroid hormones and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured in serum. RESULTS: On the high-CHO diet C18:2,omega-6 in plasma cholesteryl esters declined by 5.4% (95% confidence intervals (CI), -2.5% to -8.4%, P=0.0015). Fat was lost mainly from the lower body (lower body loss -0.71 kg, 95%CI, -0.43 to -1.00 kg, P=0.001; upper body loss -0.15 kg, 95%CI, -0.76 to +0.46 kg, P=0.6). Yet on the high-MUFA diet, lower body fat loss was minimal (-0.22 kg, 95%CI, +0.11 to -0.55 kg, P = 0.2). By general linear modelling (GLM), differences in lower body fat loss were significantly related to diet (P = 0.04). After adjustment for age, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) concentrations after the high-CHO diet were related to levels of lower body fat (r = 0.394, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In women with Type 2 diabetes following a high-CHO diet for 12 weeks the disproportionate loss of lower body fat is related to a decline in DHEAS.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1999

The prevalence of pressure damage in acute care hospital patients in the UK.

This paper aims to provide information on the prevalence of pressure damage in UK hospital patients since 1992. A survey method and data handling service provided by a medical device company was used to set targets and monitor trends. The results of these surveys provide evidence that over a six year period, the prevalence of pressure damage in this population in the UK has shown a significant reduction.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

Diabetes incidence in an Australian aboriginal population. An 8-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine prospectively the association between age, BMI, and subsequent incidence of type 2 diabetes in Australian aboriginal people. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a stratified analysis of incidence data from a community-based longitudinal study. Measures included fasting and 2-h postload glucose concentrations, and BMI, stratified into four categories. Subjects were 882 male and female participants in diabetes screening initiatives in two remote Australian aboriginal communities, free from diabetes at baseline, ages 15-77 years. RESULTS: There were 46 incident cases of diabetes over 2,808 person-years of follow-up. BMI modified strongly the sex- and community-adjusted association between age and diabetes incidence (P < 0.001). Adjusted for age, sex, and community, the population diabetes incidence rate was 20.3 cases/1,000 person-years, with BMI-specific rates of 10.7-47.2 cases/1,000 person-years, and relative risks (95% CI) for BMI strata beyond the reference category (< 25 kg/m2) of 3.3 (1.5-7.0), 2.7 (1.1-6.8), and 4.4 (1.7-11.6), respectively. The population's attributable risk (95% CI) associated with BMI beyond the reference category was 70.1% (58.1-82.4). CONCLUSIONS: BMI-specific diabetes incidence rates in Australian aboriginal people are among the highest in the world. Diabetes incidence in the lowest BMI category (10.7 cases/1,000 person-years) is two to five times greater than corresponding rates for non-aboriginal populations. An urgent need exists to prevent weight gain associated with diabetes. Further study is required to determine for aboriginal people an optimal range of BMI, likely lower than that suggested for non-aboriginal populations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Effects of regular walking on cardiovascular risk factors and body composition in normoglycemic women and women with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of a 12-week walking program on body composition and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women with type 2 diabetes and in normoglycemic women with first-degree diabetic relatives. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: There were 11 postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes and 20 normoglycemic women of similar age and BMI who were asked to walk 1 h per day on 5 days each week for 12 weeks. Fitness (estimated VO2max) was assessed with a 1.6-km walking test; body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; and sex hormone, metabolic, and lipid concentrations were measured in serum. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, estimated VO2max improved in both groups (P < 0.005). In the diabetic women, BMI and fat content of the upper body and android waist region decreased (P < 0.05). Concentrations of fasting blood glucose (P < 0.05) HbAlc (P < 0.05), total cholesterol (P < 0.005), and LDL cholesterol (P < 0.05) decreased, while HDL cholesterol and sex hormones were unchanged. In contrast, normoglycemic women failed to lose body fat after 12 weeks of exercise in a walking program. However, their HbAlc, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, sex hormone-binding globulin, and total testosterone concentrations decreased (P < 0.05). On pooling the data and including diabetes as a categorical grouping variable, stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that the change in centralized body fat, but not the change in VO2max, was related to change in fasting blood glucose. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve weeks of walking increased the fitness of diabetic and normoglycemic women. Improvement of fasting blood glucose was related to the loss of centralized body fat rather than to improved fitness.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

The influence of a breakfast meal on the assessment of body composition using bioelectrical impedance.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a breakfast meal on bioelectrical impedance (BI). DESIGN: Three separate interventions. SETTING: A university based study. SUBJECTS: Young, healthy volunteers recruited from staff. Twenty-nine subjects (11 men, 18 women), ten subjects (two men and eight women) and 13 subjects (2 men and 11 women) completed the first, second and third protocol, respectively. INTERVENTIONS: Total body BI (protocol 1) or both total body BI and segmental BI (namely arm, leg or torso BI); (protocol 3) was measured in the fasting state and for up to 5 h after the consumption of a breakfast meal containing 28% energy from fat. In the second protocol, total body BI was measured in the same way on two occasions after subjects consumed isocaloric meals containing either 28% energy or 4% energy from fat. RESULTS: Consumption of a 2300 kJ meal was followed by a significant (P = 0.0002) decrease in BI (95% confidence intervals 12.5 and 35.3), a change which occurred 2 h after the meal and continued until 5 h, irrespective of meal fat content. The fall in total body BI was accounted for primarily by a fall in the BI of the limbs, with virtually no contribution from the torso. CONCLUSION: To ensure consistency in the interpretation of BI for body composition analysis, it is important that measurements are made in the fasting state.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

No evidence for an ethnic influence on basal metabolism: an examination of data from India and Australia.

A lower BMR of Indians, when compared with Westerners matched for age, sex and either surface area or body weight, has often been reported in the literature and has been interpreted to reflect an ethnic influence on BMR. To determine the contribution of body composition to these observed differences in BMR, we analysed the data on ninety-six Indians and eighty-one Caucasian Australians of both sexes, aged 18-30 years, studied in Bangalore, India and Melbourne, Australia. Absolute BMR and BMR adjusted for body weight were significantly lower in Indians when compared with Australians of the corresponding sex. However, BMR adjusted for fat-free mass (FFM) in men, and BMR adjusted for FFM and fat mass (FM) in women, were not significantly different between the two groups. Stepwise regression of FFM, FM, sex (0 = women; 1 = men) and ethnicity (0 = Indian; 1 = Australian) on BMR, resulted in the following relationship for the combined data on all subjects: BMR = 88.7 x FFM (kg) + 1713 (n 177; r 0.92; r2 0.85; SEE 425 kJ). The Indian equations of Hayter & Henry (1994), based on body weight, resulted in a significant bias (measured-predicted BMR) of 318 (SE 54) kJ/d in Indian men and -409 (SE 70) kJ/d in Indian women. The equation of Cunningham (1991), based on FFM, accurately predicted the BMR of Indian men, Indian women and Australian men. The small but significant bias of 185 (SE 61) kJ/d in Australian women, may be explained by the significant contribution of FM to BMR in this group. The present study does not provide any evidence for an ethnic influence on basal metabolism. The results strongly support the use of FFM, rather than body weight, for the prediction of BMR in population groups of varying body size and composition. This would allow an accurate estimation of BMR and hence energy requirements in population groups worldwide.

Adolescent↗