Total and visceral adipose-tissue volumes derived from measurements with computed tomography in adult men and women: predictive equations.

Total and visceral adipose-tissue (AT) volumes were determined by computed tomography (CT) by a multiscan technique in 17 men and 10 women with a wide range of body weights. In these primary materials, weight, height, and various diameters, circumferences, and subcutaneous AT thicknesses of the trunk were examined for their relationships to CT-determined total and visceral AT volumes. Predictive AT equations from the primary materials were then tested on two cross-validation groups consisting of another 7 men and 9 women. For the prediction of the total AT volume, weight/height was the superior single predictor, with errors less than 11% in primary and cross-validation materials. For the prediction of visceral AT volume, simple equations based entirely on the sagittal diameter of the trunk at the L3-L5 level resulted in errors less than 21% in both sexes.