Body composition-derived BMI cut-offs for overweight and obesity in ethnic Indian and Creole urban children of Mauritius

Visceral-to-peripheral adiposity ratio: a critical determinant of sex and ethnic differences in cardiovascular risks among Asian Indians and African Creoles in Mauritius

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality are higher in people of South Asian origin than in those of African origin. We investigated whether as young adults without diabetes, people in Mauritius of South Asian descent (Indians) would show a more adverse cardiovascular risk profile that those of predominantly African descent (Creoles), and whether this could be explained by ethnic differences in visceral adiposity or other fat distribution patterns.

METHODS

The study was conducted in 189 young non-physically active adults, with the following measurements conducted after an overnight fast: anthropometry (weight, height, waist circumference), whole-body and regional body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, blood pressure, and blood assays for glycemic (glucose and HbA1c) and lipid profile (triglycerides and cholesterols).

RESULTS

The results indicate higher serum triglycerides and lower HDL cholesterol in men than in women, and in Indians than in Creoles (p < 0.001). No significant differences due to sex or ethnicity are observed in body mass index and waist circumference, but indices of visceral adiposity (visceral/android, visceral/subcutaneous) and visceral-to-peripheral adiposity ratio (visceral/gynoid, visceral/limb) were significantly higher in men than in women, and in Indians than in Creoles. The significant effects of sex and ethnicity on blood lipid profile were either completely abolished or reduced to a greater extent after adjusting for the ratio of visceral-to-peripheral adiposity than for visceral adiposity per se.

CONCLUSIONS

In young adults in Mauritius, Indians show a more adverse pattern of body fat distribution and blood lipid risk profile than Creoles. Differences in their fat distribution patterns, however, only partially explain their differential atherogenic lipid risk profile, amid a greater impact of visceral-to-peripheral adiposity ratio than that of visceral adiposity per se on sex and ethnic differences in cardiovascular risks; the former possibly reflecting the ratio of hazardous (visceral) adiposity and protective (peripheral) superficial subcutaneous adiposity.

Childhood Obesity and Its Comorbidities in High-Risk Minority Populations: Prevalence, Prevention and Lifestyle Intervention Guidelines

The prevalence of childhood obesity and its associated comorbidities is a growing global health problem that disproportionately affects populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and minority ethnicities in high-income countries (HICs). The increased childhood obesity disparities among populations reflect two concerns: one is HICs' ineffective intervention approaches in terms of lifestyle, nutrition and physical activity in minority populations, and the second is the virtually non-existent lifestyle obesity interventions in LMICs. This article provides guidelines on childhood obesity and its comorbidities in high-risk minority populations based on understanding the prevalence and effectiveness of preventative lifestyle interventions. First, we highlight how inadequate obesity screening by body mass index (BMI) can be resolved by using objective adiposity fat percentage measurements alongside anthropometric and physiological components, including lean tissue and bone density. National healthcare childhood obesity prevention initiatives should embed obesity cut-off points for minority ethnicities, especially Asian and South Asian ethnicities within UK and USA populations, whose obesity-related metabolic risks are often underestimated. Secondly, lifestyle interventions are underutilised in children and adolescents with obesity and its comorbidities, especially in minority ethnicity population groups. The overwhelming evidence on lifestyle interventions involving children with obesity comorbidities from ethnic minority populations shows that personalised physical activity and nutrition interventions are successful in reversing obesity and its secondary cardiometabolic disease risks, including those related to cardiorespiratory capacity, blood pressure and glucose/insulin levels. Interventions combining cultural contextualisation and better engagement with families are the most effective in high-risk paediatric minority populations but are non-uniform amongst different minority communities. A sustained preventative health impact can be achieved through the involvement of the community, with stakeholders comprising healthcare professionals, nutritionists, exercise science specialists and policy makers. Our guidelines for obesity assessment and primary and secondary prevention of childhood obesity and associated comorbidities in minority populations are fundamental to reducing global and local health disparities and improving quality of life.

Impairment of Vitamin D Nutritional Status and Metabolic Profile Are Associated with Worsening of Obesity According to the Edmonton Obesity Staging System

Obesity is associated with a higher risk of Vitamin D (VD) inadequacy and metabolic diseases. The Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) is an innovative tool for the evaluation of obesity that goes beyond body weight and considers clinic, functional and menta- health issues. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of VD according to the stages of EOSS and its relationship with the metabolic profile. In the cross-sectional study, we evaluated anthropometric parameters, physical activity, blood pressure, biochemical and metabolic variables, and VD nutritional status. A total of 226 individuals were categorized using EOSS: 1.3%, 22.1%, 62.9%, and 13.7% were in stages 0, 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Regarding the metabolic changes and comorbidities, insulin resistance and hyperuricemia were diagnosed in some individuals in EOSS 1, 2, and 3. EOSS 2 and 3 presented a significant relative-risk for the development of arterial hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and liver disease, compared with EOSS 0. In all stages, there were observed means of 25(OH)D serum concentrations below 30 ng/mL (EOSS 0 24.9 ± 3.3 ng/mL; EOSS 3 15.9 ± 5.4 ng/mL; p = 0.031), and 25(OH)D deficiency was present in all stages. Individuals with obesity classified in more advanced stages of EOSS had lower serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and a worse metabolic profile.

Body composition from birth to 2 years in term healthy Indian infants measured by deuterium dilution: Effect of being born small for gestational age and early catch-up growth

OBJECTIVES

South Asian body composition is characterized by higher body fat at any given BMI. While this does not occur during fetal growth, it is important to understand if inappropriate fat accretion then begins in the first 2 years in Indian infants.

METHODS

The fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) of healthy term newborns was evaluated at 12 days, 3.5 months, 1 year, and 2 years, by deuterium oxide (D₂O) dilution. The effect of being born small versus appropriate for gestational age (SGA vs. AGA), and accelerated early growth pattern on FM and FFM accretion was also investigated.

RESULTS

Newborns (262 total, 150 males) with mean birth weight of 2863 ± 418 g were enrolled. FM percentage (FM%) assessed by D₂O in 144, 166, 81, and 115 infants at 12 days, 3.5 months, 1 year, and 2 years respectively, was11.6 ± 6.8, 21.1 ± 7.0, 17.9 ± 8.2 and 22.4 ± 9.5%. Boys had higher FFM at all ages, but FM% was similar in both sexes. Children born SGA had similar FM index (FMI) but a lower FFM index (FFMI) at 2 years compared with those born AGA. Infants with catch-up growth between 0 and 2 years had higher FMI at 2 years compared to those without. Infants in the present study had a lower FM% and FMI till 1 year of age in comparison to previous studies from other countries, but had an increase in adiposity between 1 and 2 years, whereas in previous studies FM% remained stable or declined between 1 and 2 years of age.

CONCLUSION

There was an upward inflection in the curve of FM% and FMI between 1 and 2 years of age in the present study, which may represent an early adiposity rebound. Further longitudinal body composition data for Indian infants as well as those of other ethnicities but with low birth weight will clarify whether early accelerated growth pattern contributes to greater accrual of fat rather than lean mass during childhood.

Obesity and Metabolic Care of Children of South Asian Ethnicity in Western Society

South Asians constitute one-fourth of the world’s population and are distributed significantly in western countries. With exponentially growing numbers, childhood obesity is of global concern. Children of South Asian ancestry have a higher likelihood of developing obesity and associated metabolic risks. The validity of commonly used measures for quantifying adiposity and its impact on metabolic outcomes differ by race and ethnicity. In this review we aim to discuss the validity of body mass index (BMI) and other tools in screening for adiposity in South Asian children. We also discuss the prevalence of overweight and obesity amongst South Asian children in western countries and the differences in body fat percentage, adiposity distribution, and metabolic risks specific to these children compared to Caucasian children. South Asian children have a characteristic phenotype: lower lean mass and higher body fat percentage favoring central fat accumulation. Hence, BMI is a less reliable predictor of metabolic status in these children than it is for Caucasian children. Furthermore, the relatively lower birth weight and rapid growth acceleration in early childhood of South Asian children increase the risk of their developing cardiometabolic disorders at a younger age than that of Caucasians. We emphasize the need to use modified tools for assessment of adiposity, which take into consideration the ethnic differences and provide early and appropriate intervention to prevent obesity and its complications.