Regional body composition of Indian women from a low-income group and its association with anthropometric indices and reproductive events.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The study examined the body composition of women from an urban slum who have a low prevalence of obesity. Since the quantification of regional fat distribution is important for evaluating health risks, the regional body composition was assessed in relation to anthropometric indices and reproductive events.

METHODS

The body composition of 278 women was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

Their mean age, height, body mass index, percentage of whole body fat and trunk fat mass to leg fat mass ratio (an indicator of android obesity) were 40.8 years, 149 cm, 22, 33 and 1.22, respectively. Receiver-operating characteristic analyses indicated that a body mass index of 20 and 22 corresponded to a percentage of whole body fat of 30 and 35, respectively. Higher weight was associated with increased android fat distribution and taller height was associated with higher lean body mass and gynoid fat distribution. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that menopausal status was associated with lower lean mass and higher android obesity whereas breast-feeding was related to lower leg fat mass. Heavy occupational work was associated with higher lean mass.

CONCLUSION

The study women had a 'high fat muscle poor' phenotype. The association of regional body composition with anthropometric indices and reproductive events provided important insights.