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PubMed1998

Plasma sex hormones are significantly associated with plasma leptin concentration in healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE: In humans a sexual dimorphism of plasma leptin concentration has been demonstrated but its significance remains to be established. Sex hormones may have a role. PATIENTS: Eighty healthy, non-obese subjects (41M/39F) were studied. MEASUREMENTS: In the whole group of subjects plasma sex hormones, leptin and insulin concentrations were determined, body fat content assessed by bioimpedance analysis, body fat distribution evaluated and insulin-mediated glucose uptake measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic glucose. RESULTS: After adjustment for age, gender, amount of body fat, waist/hip ratio (WHR) and fasting plasma insulin concentration, fasting plasma leptin was still significantly correlated with plasma DHEAS (r = -0.30, P < 0.006), oestradiol (r = 0.53, P < 0.001) and testosterone (r = -0.43, P < 0.001) in all subjects (n = 80). Independently of age, amount of body fat and WHR, fasting plasma leptin concentration correlated with plasma oestradiol (r = 0.38, P < 0.01) and total testosterone (r = -0.58, P < 0.001) in males (n = 41) and with fasting plasma oestradiol (r = 0.48, P < 0.002) in females (n = 39). To investigate the independent contribution of anthropometric and hormonal variables to fasting plasma leptin concentration, a multivariate stepwise regression analysis with fasting plasma leptin concentration as dependent variable was made. In the entire group (n = 80), the whole model explained 43% of fasting plasma leptin concentration with fasting plasma insulin, total testosterone and oestradiol concentrations significantly and independently associated with plasma leptin concentration. In this model, fasting plasma DHEAS, testosterone and oestradiol explained 25% of the variability in plasma leptin concentration. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that plasma sex hormone concentrations are associated with plasma leptin concentration.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1998

Is there a role for leptin in the endocrine and metabolic aberrations of polycystic ovary syndrome?

Immunoreactive serum leptin was analysed in 49 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) distributed on a wide range of body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) and in 32 normally menstruating women with comparable age, BMI, physical activity and dietary habits. All women with PCOS had increased androgen concentrations and obese women with PCOS (BMI > or = 25, n=24) also showed decreased insulin sensitivity and a preferential accumulation of truncal-abdominal body fat. Anthropometric and hormonal variables, insulin sensitivity, and pancreatic beta-cell activity were investigated in all women. Percentage body fat was calculated using gender-specific regression equations based on skinfold measurements. Serum leptin concentrations were higher in obese than in non-obese women (P < 0.001), but did not differ between the women with PCOS and controls, nor did they differ between glucose intolerant and glucose tolerant, or hirsute and non-hirsute women with PCOS. Both groups showed strong correlations between serum leptin concentrations and percentage body fat, BMI, body fat distribution, fasting plasma insulin and C-peptide, early insulin secretion, the free androgen index (FAI), and the degree of insulin resistance. After correcting for percentage body fat, only the FAI in the women with PCOS remained significant (P < 0.05). However, in a multiple regression analysis with both percentage body fat and the FAI as independent variables, the FAI increased only minimally (2%) the explained variation in leptin concentrations. Thus, serum leptin concentrations are almost exclusively determined by the total amount of body fat, independent of its location, and do not confirm the hypothesis that leptin is involved in the development of the hormonal and metabolic abnormalities in the PCOS.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry assessment of fat mass distribution and its association with the insulin resistance syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine which dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived indices of fat mass distribution are the most informative to predict the various parameters of the metabolic syndrome. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 87 healthy men, 63 lean (% fat < or =26) and 24 obese (% fat >26), underwent DXA scanning to evaluate body composition with respect to the whole body and the trunk, leg, and abdominal regions from L1 to L4 and from L3 to L4. These regions were correlated with insulin sensitivity determined by the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, insulin area under the curve after oral glucose tolerance test (AUC I); triglyceride; total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol; free fatty acids; and blood pressure. The analyses were performed in all subjects, as well as in lean and obese groups separately. RESULTS: Among the various indices of body fat, DXA-determined adiposity in the abdominal cut at L1-4 level was the most predictive of the metabolic variables, showing significant relationships with glucose infusion rate ([GIR], mg kg(-1) lean body mass x min(-1)), triglyceride, and cholesterol, independent of total-body mass (r = -0.267, P<0.05; r = 0.316, P<0.005; and r = 0.319, P<0.005, respectively). Upon subanalysis, these correlations remained significant in lean men, whereas in obese men, only BMI and the amount of leg fat (negative relationship) showed significant correlations with triglyceride and cholesterol (r = 0.438, P<0.05; r = 0.458, P<0.05; r = -0.439, P<0.05; and r = -0.414, P<0.05, respectively). The results of a multiple regression analysis revealed that 47% of the variance in GIR among all study subjects was predicted by AUC I, fat L1-4, diastolic blood pressure (dBP), HDL, and triglyceride as independent variables. In the lean group, fat L1-4 alone accounted for 33% of the variance of GIR, whereas in obese men, AUC I and dBP explained 68% of the variance in GIR. CONCLUSIONS: The DXA technique applied for the evaluation of fat distribution can provide useful information regarding various aspects of the insulin resistance syndrome in healthy subjects. DXA can be a valid, accurate, relatively inexpensive, and safer alternative compared with other methods to investigate the role of abdominal body fat distribution on cardiovascular risk factors.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1999

Lipoprotein alterations, abdominal fat distribution and breast cancer.

Plasma lipid profile and abdominal obesity have been associated with breast cancer risk, however published results have been inconsistent. To clarify these associations we studied lipid and lipoprotein alterations, obesity degree and body fat distribution, in 30 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients without treatment and 30 controls matched by age and menopausal status. Both pre and postmenopausal breast cancer patients presented higher body mass index, waist/hip ratio and insulin levels than their matched controls. An increase in triglycerides and a decrease in HDL-cholesterol, especially in the HDL2 subfraction, were observed in patients with breast cancer. Besides, HDL particle from these patients showed increased apo A1/HDL-cholesterol ratio. These alterations were correlated with waist/hip ratio. The association between lipoprotein alterations and abdominal obesity independent of menopausal status, in untreated newly diagnosed breast cancer patients is reported for the first time in this study.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1994

Stress-induced cortisol response and fat distribution in women.

Recent studies have shown an association between uncontrollable stress and abdominal fat distribution. It has been suggested that changes in cortisol secretion might represent one possible mechanism for this relationship. This study investigated whether body fat distribution, determined by waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), is related to salivary cortisol levels in response to laboratory stressors. Subjects were 41 overweight women with a Low or a High WHR. Multiple measures of cortisol and mood were obtained during a session of stressful tasks (eg., timed arithmetic) and during a time-matched, control rest session. Also, background life stress and psychological trait variables were assessed. Compared to Low WHR subjects, High WHR subjects secreted significantly more cortisol during the stressful session after 60 minutes of stress, and considering the total area under the curve of secretion. This difference was not seen on the rest day. In terms of background and psychological measures, High WHR subjects were characterized by poorer coping skills and differences in mood reactivity. Specifically, although all subjects became more angry in response to the stressful session, High WHR subjects showed smaller increases in anger. This could indicate that they are more likely to evidence a helpless reaction to uncontrollable stress. These findings support the hypothesis that cortisol secretion might represent a mechanism for the observed association between stress and abdominal fat distribution. Furthermore, differences in coping and appraisal may suggest that a particular psychological pattern might influence the reactivity of the adrenal-cortical system to stress, and subsequent fat distribution.

Abdominal Fat↗
PubMed1996

Effects of diet and exercise on common cardiovascular disease risk factors in moderately obese older women.

Diet and exercise studies of premenopausal women have shown reductions in obesity and other cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Forty-one healthy, moderately obese (120-140% of ideal body weight, LBW), postmenopausal women (65.6 +/- 3.3 y) participating in 24-wk diet or diet + exercise programs were studied to determine whether similar CVD risk reduction would occur. Daily energy need (DEN) was estimated from basal energy expenditure and self-reported activity. The diet + exercise group (n = 16) reduced their daily energy intake (DEI) by 2092 kJ from their DEN and expended 837 kJ/d in walking and resistance exercise. The two diet-only groups (n = 13 and n = 12) reduced their DEI by 2092 and 2929 kJ from their DEN, respectively. Body weight, waist-to-hip and subscapula-to-triceps ratios, blood lipids (total, low-density-lipoprotein, and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, and triacylglycerols), glucose, and insulin concentrations were measured at baseline and after 12 and 24 wk of diet and diet + exercise. Data were analyzed by using analysis of variance with repeated measures (P < or = 0.05) and Tukey's post hoc test. Loss of body weight was significant for all groups between baseline and 12 and 24 wk (baseline: 79.3 +/- 7.6 kg; 12 wk; 75.1 +/- 7.7 kg; 24 wk; 72.8 +/- 8.0 kg) but did not differ among groups. No significant time or treatment effects were observed between baseline and 24 wk for changes in mean blood lipid, glucose, and fasting insulin concentrations or measures of body fat distribution. Although 24 wk of diet or diet+exercise significantly reduced body weight in this group, this loss in body weight was not accompanied by a reduction of other commonly accepted CVD risks.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Polymorphisms in the glucocorticoid receptor gene and their associations with metabolic parameters and body composition.

Most actions of glucocorticoids (GCs) are mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). The interindividual response to GCs varies considerably, as demonstrated by a variable suppressive response to 0.25-mg dexamethasone (DEX). Several polymorphisms in the gene coding for the GR have been described. It is unclear to what extent the observed response variability is due to GR polymorphisms or to other factors. However, at least three polymorphisms seem to be associated with altered GC sensitivity and changes in body composition and metabolic parameters. The N363S polymorphism has been associated with increased sensitivity to GCs, increased insulin response to DEX, a tendency towards lower bone mineral density, and increased body mass index (BMI). However, other reports found no associations with BMI. Another polymorphism, previously described as a BclI restriction fragment length polymorphism, recently was identified as a C --> G nucleotide change. The G allele also was associated with increased sensitivity to GCs. In middle-aged subjects, the G allele of this BclI polymorphism was associated with increased abdominal obesity, while at older age, a lower BMI was found, accompanied by a tendency towards lower lean body mass. A third polymorphism consists of two linked, single-nucleotide mutations in codons 22 and 23, of which the second mutation results in an amino acid change from arginine (R) to lysine (K). In contrast to the other polymorphisms, this ER22/23EK polymorphism was associated with a relative resistance to GCs. In line with this, ER22/23EK carriers had lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as well as lower fasting insulin concentrations and a better insulin sensitivity. C-reactive protein levels were lower in ER22/23EK carriers, as was found in a different population of elderly males. In accordance with this healthy metabolic profile, we found in this population a significantly better survival in ER22/23EK carriers after a 4-year follow-up. GCs also affect the brain. Although a certain level of cortisol is essential for proper brain functioning, excessive GC levels have been shown to negatively affect brain morphology and functions. At older age, we found that the risk of dementia and white matter lesions was lower in ER22/23EK carriers. GCs are also important in the regulation of body fat distribution. At young age, we observed sex-specific differences in body composition. Male ER22/23EK carriers were taller, had more muscle mass, and were stronger than noncarriers. In young females, ER22/23EK carriers had tendencies towards smaller waist and hip circumferences and lower body weight. Another polymorphism (TthIIII) was not associated with altered GC sensitivity. In conclusion, these polymorphisms in the GR gene may contribute considerably to the observed variability in GC sensitivity. As a result, they are associated with several differences in body composition and metabolic factors.

Body Composition↗
PubMed1994

A prospective study on obesity and subcutaneous fat patterning in relation to breast cancer in post-menopausal women participating in the DOM project.

The associations of body fat and body fat distribution with breast cancer risk were examined in a prospective study in 9,746 post-menopausal women with a natural menopause, aged 49-66 at intake, participating in a breast cancer screening project (the DOM project in Utrecht). During a follow-up period of 15 years (mean follow-up time 12.5 years) 260 women developed breast cancer. Fat distribution, assessed by contrasting groups of subcapsular and triceps skinfold thickness, was found to be unrelated to breast cancer incidence. No significant relationship between body fat, measured either by weight, Quetelet's index, triceps skinfold or subscapular skinfold, and breast cancer risk was found when analysed in quartiles. However, women in the upper decile compared with the lower decile of the distribution of Quetelet's index were found to have a 1.9 times (95% CI 1.1-3.3) higher risk for breast cancer. These results seemed to be in contrast with the significant positive association between fatness, analysed in quartiles, and breast cancer observed in a cross-sectional study, based on mammographic screening, carried out previously in the same population. Although the differences between the present, prospective, study and our cross-sectional study may be due to chance it may be that there are differences between characteristics of breast cancer detected at screening and subsequently, which influence the associations between measures of fatness and risk of breast cancer.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2000

[Changes in pituitary gonadotropins according to body mass index and adipose tissue distribution, in postmenopausal women receiving different types of hormone replacement therapy].

OBJECTIVE: To establish how gonadotrophins levels are modified according to body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR), in postmenopausal women receiving different types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). METHOD: Forty postmenopausal women were studied, and divided into two groups of 20 women each one (according to the HRT schedule administered (continuous or continuous combined). At baseline, three and six months, luteinizing hormone (Lh), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) serum levels were determined. The two groups were divided into two subgroups first according to BMI, and thereinafter according to WHR. Differences among the groups were assessed by Mann-Whitney U test. The changes along each treatment group, were determined by Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: FSH and LH levels decreased and those of E2 increased at 3 and 6 months after the beginning of treatment in each one of the HRT schedules, but without differences among them. Upon subdividing the groups, the changes were similar to the undivided group. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that HRT modifies pituitary gonadotrophin secretion, but later changes exist in LH in obese and those with upper level body fat distribution.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1997

Relationship between circulating leptin and peripheral fat distribution in obese subjects.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal obesity is an important risk factor for the development of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and other atherogenic disorders. The recently discovered fat-derived hormone leptin has been proposed to regulate adiposity through stimulation of satiety and increased energy expenditure. This study was undertaken to examine the relationship between fasting plasma leptin, body fat distribution and atherogenic complications in markedly obese adult subjects. SUBJECTS: The study comprised 29 women and 26 men who all were obese but otherwise healthy (body mass index, BMI, 33-60 kg/m2). RESULTS: In 37 of the obese subjects, who were characterized in detail, the fasting plasma leptin levels correlated with plasma insulin (-0.34) but not in a significant way with blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, plasma glucose tolerance or circulating concentrations of glucose, lipoproteins, catecholamines or plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. In the whole patient material the fasting plasma leptin levels were two times higher in women than in men who had similar body mass index values (P < 0.0001). In spite of the fact that all subjects were massively obese, the plasma leptin values correlated positively with BMI (r = 0.39, P = 0.004). On the other hand, there was a negative correlation between plasma leptin and waist-to-hip ratio (r = 0.65, P = 0.0001), which was independent of BMI. CONCLUSION: Except for a quite weak relationship with fasting plasma insulin, leptin appears not to be associated with classical metabolic atherogenic complications to obesity. Instead, it may protect obese subjects with a gynoid fat distribution from metabolic complications. About 40% of the variation in leptin in massively obese subjects could in fact be explained by peripheral fat distribution.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

A meta-analysis of published literature on waist-to-hip ratio and risk of breast cancer.

Epidemiological studies have identified body weight as a risk factor for breast cancer. Beyond the amount of adipose tissue a woman has, its distribution, particularly abdominally, may be a risk factor in breast cancer etiology. Body fat distribution is commonly measured by a waist-to-hip circumference ratio lpar;WHR). We performed a meta-analysis to summarize the published literature on WHR and breast cancer risk. After assembling all published studies, we extracted mean WHRs for study participants and adjusted risk estimates comparing highest with lowest partition of WHR and calculated weighted mean differences in WHR between cases and noncases and summary risk estimates based on study design and menopausal status. The weighted mean difference was 0.016 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.005-0.028] for all studies combined. The summary risk estimates were 1.80 (95% CI = 1.29-2.50) for case-control studies and 1.27 (95% CI = 1.07-1.51) for cohort studies. By menopausal status, the summary risks were 1.79 (95% CI = 1.22-2.62) for premenopausal women and 1.50 (95% CI = 1.10-2.04) for postmenopausal women. For all studies combined, the summary risk was 1.62 (95% CI = 1.28-2.04). This meta-analysis indicates that a greater WHR is associated with increased risk of breast cancer and suggests that the avoidance of abdominal obesity may reduce risk of the disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Effects of testosterone supplementation on whole body and regional fat mass and distribution in human immunodeficiency virus-infected men with abdominal obesity.

BACKGROUND: Whole body and abdominal obesity are associated with increased risk of diabetes mellitus and heart disease. The effects of testosterone therapy on whole body and visceral fat mass in HIV-infected men with abdominal obesity are unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of testosterone therapy on intraabdominal fat mass and whole body fat distribution in HIV-infected men with abdominal obesity. METHODS: IN this multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, 88 HIV-positive men with abdominal obesity (waist-to-hip ratio > 0.95 or mid-waist circumference > 100 cm) and total testosterone 125-400 ng/dl, or bioavailable testosterone less than 115 ng/dl, or free testosterone less than 50 pg/ml on stable antiretroviral regimen, and HIV RNA less than 10,000 copies per milliliter were randomized to receive 10 g testosterone gel or placebo daily for 24 wk. Fat mass and distribution were determined by abdominal computerized tomography and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry during wk 0, 12, and 24. We used an intention-to-treat approach and nonparametric statistical methods. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were balanced between groups. In 75 subjects evaluated, median percent change from baseline to wk 24 in visceral fat did not differ significantly between groups (testosterone 0.3%, placebo 3.1%, P = 0.75). Total (testosterone -1.5%, placebo 4.3%, P = 0.04) and sc (testosterone-7.2%, placebo 8.1%, P < 0.001) abdominal fat mass decreased in testosterone-treated men, but increased in placebo group. Testosterone therapy was associated with significant decrease in whole body, trunk, and appendicular fat mass by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (all P < 0.001), whereas whole body and trunk fat increased significantly in the placebo group. The percent of individuals reporting a decrease in abdomen (P = 0.01), neck (P = 0.08), and breast size (P = 0.01) at wk 24 was significantly greater in testosterone-treated than placebo-treated men. Testosterone-treated men had greater increase in lean body mass than placebo (testosterone 1.3%, placebo -0.3, P = 0.02). Plasma insulin, fasting glucose, and total high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels did not change significantly. Testosterone therapy was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Testosterone therapy in HIV-positive men with abdominal obesity and low testosterone was associated with greater decrease in whole body, total, and sc abdominal fat mass and a greater increase in lean mass compared to placebo. However, changes in visceral fat mass were not significantly different between groups. Further studies are needed to determine testosterone effects on insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular risk.

Abdominal Fat↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Age and sex variations in adiposity and central fat distribution among elderly Bengalee Hindus of Calcutta, India.

BACKGROUND: Although a sizeable portion of India's population (13%, over 110 million) is elderly (aged > 55 years) very little information exists on their levels of adiposity and central body fat distribution. AIM: The present study seeks to investigate age and sex variations in adiposity and central fat distribution among urban elderly Bengalee men and women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 410 (210 men and 200 women) elderly (> 55 years) urban Bengalee Hindu individuals resident in Calcutta, India, was undertaken utilizing various measures of adiposity and central fat distribution. RESULTS: There existed significant sex differences in various anthropometric variables and indices. Age had significant negative association with most variables and indices in both sexes. In general, the associations were much stronger in men. Regression analysis demonstrated that age had significant negative effect on height, sitting height (SH), weight, body mass index (BMI), minimum waist (MWC), maximum hip (MHC) and mid upper arm (MUAC) circumferences and triceps skinfold (TSF), in both sexes. Age also had significant negative impact on conicity index (CI) in men. CONCLUSIONS: The present investigation revealed that there is a significant inverse age trend in adiposity among urban elderly Bengalee Hindus. Moreover, there existed sex differences in the effect of age on various anthropometric measures.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1994

Ideal female body shape: role of body weight and waist-to-hip ratio.

Interrelationships of female body fat distribution as measured by the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), overall body size, perceived attractiveness, youthfulness, health, and need to lose weight were investigated. Drawings showing thin females with high WHRs and heavier females with low WHRs were presented to college-age women with low and high scores on the Restrained Eating Scale (Herman & Polivy. [1980]. Obesity [pp. 208-225]. Philadelphia: Saunders) and men who ranked figures for various attributes. Female subjects, regardless of their eating style, as well as male subjects, judged heavier female target figures with low WHRs as more attractive and healthier than thinner figures with higher WHRs. The rankings for youthfulness and need to lose weight were not systematically affected by the size of the WHR. Female subjects perceived heavier female target figures with low WHR to represent ideal female figures. Female subjects with a restrained eating style felt their own body was not similar to idealized female figures and expressed unhappiness with their body shape; this was not true of unrestrained eaters. It is proposed that female attractiveness and ideal female shape may be more influenced by WHR than overall body size.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

A high concentration of fasting plasma non-esterified fatty acids is a risk factor for the development of NIDDM.

To assess the role of fasting plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in the development of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), data were analysed from annual examinations of 190 non-diabetic Pima Indians. Glucose tolerance was measured by a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, insulin action by a euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic (40 mU x m-2 x min-1) clamp and in vitro lipolysis using isolated abdominal fat cells. After a mean follow-up period of 4.0 +/- 2.4 years (mean +/- SD), 47 subjects developed NIDDM. Risk factors for NIDDM were estimated by proportional-hazards analysis and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) calculated at the 90th and 10th percentile of the predictor variables. A large average fat-cell volume was predictive of NIDDM (RR=2.4; 95% CI=1.2-4.8) independent of age, sex, percent body and body fat distribution. A high fasting plasma NEFA concentration was also a risk factor for NIDDM (RR=2.3; 95% CI=1.1-4.7) independent of sex, percent body fat, waist/thigh ratio, insulin-mediated glucose uptake and fasting triglyceride concentration. We conclude that large fat cells and the resulting increased plasma NEFA concentrations are risk factors for the development of NIDDM.

Adipocytes↗
PubMed1999

Age-related changes in body composition of 3- to 6-year-old Japanese children.

This study was undertaken to establish an approach for the investigation of age-related changes in indices of body composition during childhood in Japan. It provides current reference values for total body fat mass (TBFM) and lean body mass (LBM) as indices of body composition in an urban population of 3- to 6-year-old Japanese children. Moreover, we assessed the age-specific patterns of body fat distribution [subcutaneous fat mass (SFM) and internal fat mass (IFM)] during childhood. Measurements of body composition by bioelectrical impedance were made in 141 boys and 139 girls, all apparently healthy, aged 3-6 years. Determinations of impedance were made using a four-terminal impedance analyzer (TP-95K; Toyo Physical, Inc., Fukuoka, Japan). LBM was calculated using the equation of Kushner et al. (1992) and Goran et al. (1993). SFM was calculated using a modification of the equation derived by Skerjl et al. (1953). IFM was calculated as the difference between TBFM and SFM. From ages 3 through 6 years, the mean LBM increased with age in boys and girls, and showed significant age differences. Between the ages of 3 and 6, the average increment in LBM was 5.1 kg in boys and 4.4 kg in girls. On average, boys gained 0.5 kg of TBFM each year, whereas girls gained 0.4 kg of TBFM each year. Furthermore, both groups gained 0.3 kg of SFM each year. Percentage body fat decreased in both genders until approximately the age of 5, and increased again slightly at the age of 6. The age-specific pattern of fat accumulation during childhood was characterized by an almost linear increase in SFM in girls, but a transient decrease in IFM in boys. We conclude that further research is required, including longitudinal assessment of body composition variables, in order to unravel the dynamics of body composition change in Japanese children.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1992

Associations of body fat and its distribution with dietary intake, physical activity, alcohol, and smoking in blacks and whites.

Cross-sectional associations between body fat and its distribution and environmental factors influencing energy balance were examined in 5115 young adults. Protein was directly associated with body mass index (BMI) in all race and sex groups (P less than 0.01) after age, education, cigarette-smoking status, alcohol intake, and physical activity were adjusted for. Carbohydrate intake was inversely associated with BMI in males (P = 0.02). Total physical activity was inversely associated with BMI in white women and with skinfold-thickness measures (P less than 0.01) in all groups. Waist-to-hip-circumference ratio (WHCR) was positively associated with total kilojoules (kilocalories) in women, inversely associated with percent of kilojoules (kilocalories) from carbohydrates in whites, grams of crude fiber/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) (except in black men), and physical activity (except in white women). WHCR was directly associated with cigarette smoking except in black men, and with total alcohol intake in men. Beer was consistently associated with WHCR in all race and sex groups.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2002

Relation between fat distributions and several plasma adipocytokines after exercise training in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Circulating concentrations of adipocytokines, such as leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), vary with exercise training, menopause, or regional variations in adipose tissues. In the present study, the relationships between body fat distributions and some adipocytokines were compared in premenopausal (N = 9) and postmenopausal women (N = 9), before and after exercise training. The training for 10 weeks (that is, 3 days/week) consisted of aqua exercise plus resistance exercise. The training reduced percent fat, body mass index, total fat mass (TFM), subcutaneous fat mass (SFM), and plasma levels of leptin and PAI-1 in both women. Mean value of plasma TNF-alpha tended to increase after training in both women. Plasma leptin levels were lower in postmenopausal than in premenopausal women, independently of training. In premenopausal women, plasma leptin levels correlated well with either TFM or SFM before and after training. Regression analysis of decreases in plasma leptin with a reduced amount of SFM revealed that decreases in plasma leptin depended to a greater extent on a loss of SFM. In postmenopausal women, no significant correlation was found between leptin levels and any of the fat depots. Plasma TNF-alpha levels correlated well with visceral fat mass (VFM) in premenopausal but not in postmenopausal women. Changes in TNF-alpha levels after training correlated well with reduced amount of VFM in premenopausal but not in postmenopausal women. Plasma PAI-1 levels were not different between groups. Moreover, no significant correlation was found between PAI-1 levels and any of the fat depots in both women. Thus, in premenopausal but not in postmenopausal women, changes in plasma concentrations of leptin and TNF-alpha correlate well with specific alterations in relative amount of SFM and VFM after training, respectively. However, no significant relationship between PAI-1 and any of the fat depots was found independently of either menopause or training.

Adipose Tissue↗