The Association between Body Composition using Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry and Type-2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational studies

Smartphone three-dimensional imaging for body composition assessment using non-rigid avatar reconstruction

Background

Modern digital anthropometry applications utilize smartphone cameras to rapidly construct three-dimensional humanoid avatars, quantify relevant anthropometric variables, and estimate body composition.

Methods

In the present study, 131 participants ([73 M, 58 F] age 33.7 ± 16.0 y; BMI 27.3 ± 5.9 kg/m2, body fat 29.9 ± 9.9%) had their body composition assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and a smartphone 3D scanning application using non-rigid avatar reconstruction. The performance of two new body fat % estimation equations was evaluated through reliability and validity statistics, Bland-Altman analysis, and equivalence testing.

Results

In the reliability analysis, the technical error of the measurement and intraclass correlation coefficient were 0.5-0.7% and 0.996-0.997, respectively. Both estimation equations demonstrated statistical equivalence with DXA based on ±2% equivalence regions and strong linear relationships (Pearson's r 0.90; concordance correlation coefficient 0.89-0.90). Across equations, mean absolute error and standard error of the estimate values were ~ 3.5% and ~ 4.2%, respectively. No proportional bias was observed.

Conclusion

While continual advances are likely, smartphone-based 3D scanning may now be suitable for implementation for rapid and accessible body measurement in a variety of applications.

A Systematic Review on the Impact of Plant-Based Milk Consumption on Growth and Nutrition in Children and Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Children are increasingly consuming plant-based milks, yet the impact on their growth and nutrition is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to summarize the available evidence on the impact of plant-based milk consumption on growth and nutrition in children and adolescents.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase (Excerpta Medica Database), EBM Reviews - Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Child Development and Adolescent Studies, and Scopus were comprehensively searched from 2000 to 2024 to identify studies evaluating the growth and nutritional effects of plant-based milk consumption in children aged 1-18 y. Two reviewers independently screened full-text articles, assessed their quality, and extracted data.

RESULTS

A total of 6 studies were identified: 3 cross-sectional studies, 1 prospective cohort study, and 2 clinical trials (total n = 15,815). Observational studies found that consumption of plant-based milk was associated with lower childhood body mass index (BMI), height, and serum vitamin D concentrations compared with cow milk. No association was found between soy milk consumption and BMI in adolescent girls. Low-quality clinical trials showed minimal effects on growth, and 1 study found that adolescent girls with low calcium intake who consumed fortified soy milk had higher bone density compared with those who did not consume soy milk.

CONCLUSIONS

Available evidence suggests that children who consume plant-based milk may have lower BMI, height, and micronutrient intake compared with those who consume cow milk, whereas fortified soy milk may support bone health in adolescents who do not drink cow milk. Longitudinal studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to determine whether these associations persist over time, differ between children and adolescents or among those who consume soy milk, and to understand the potential underlying mechanisms. This trial was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42022367269.

Association of the oxidative balance score with obesity and body composition among young and middle-aged adults

Objective

The oxidative balance score (OBS) is important for determining the cause of obesity and its complications. We aimed to evaluate the association between OBS and obesity and other segmental body composition parameters among young and middle-aged U.S. adults.

Methods

9,998 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2018 were included. Lean mass percentage (LM%) and FM% were evaluated by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Obesity was defined as body FM% ≥25% in men and ≥ 35% in women. The OBS was scored by 5 pro-oxidant and 21 antioxidant factors. Associations of quartiles of OBS with obesity risk were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models. Multivariable linear regression was conducted to estimate the association between OBS and segmental body composition measures including the arm LM%, leg LM%, torso LM%, whole LM%, arm FM%, leg FM%, torso FM% and total FM%.

Results

Compared to participants in the lowest quartile of OBS, those in the highest quartile of OBS were associated with a lower risk of BMI-defined obesity BMI-defined obesity [0.43 (0.36, 0.50)] and FM%-related obesity [0.43 (0.35, 0.52)]. Additionally, OBS was negatively associated with FM% of the limb and torso but positively associated with the percentage of lean mass (LM%) of the limb and trunk.

Conclusion

OBS was negatively associated with the risk of obesity and segmental FM%, but was positively associated with segmental LM% among US adults, indicating that adhering to an anti-oxidative diet and lifestyle management may be beneficial for preventing segmental obesity.

Visceral adiposity index as a predictor of type 2 diabetes mellitus risk: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

AIMS

Considering the positive association between visceral adiposity index (VAI) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), no comprehensive assessment on the summarized and dose-response relationship between VAI and T2DM has yet been reported. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis, including dose-response analysis, to quantitively elucidate this association.

DATA SYNTHESIS

MEDLINE via PubMed and Embase databases were searched for relevant articles up to December 14, 2021. Random-effects generalized least squares regression models were used to assess the quantitative association between VAI and T2DM risk across studies. Restricted cubic splines were used to model the dose-response association. A total of 9 prospective cohort studies and 5 cross sectional studies were included in our review. Based on the meta-analysis, the pooled RR of T2DM was 2.05 (95% CI 1.74-2.41) for the highest versus reference VAI category. We found that the risk of T2DM was increased by 44% (RR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.23-1.68) with each 1-unit increment of VAI. While, we found no evidence of a nonlinear dose-response association of VAI and T2DM (Pnon-linearity = 0.428). With the linear cubic spline model, when compared to population with VAI at 0.6, for those with VAI at 2.0, the risk of T2DM was increased by 81% (RR, 1.81; 95% CI 1.55-2.12).

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis provides quantitative data suggesting that VAI is associated with an increased risk of T2DM. Public health strategies focusing on weight loss among obesity, especially the people characterized by the thin-on-the-outside--fat-on-the-inside phenotype could possibly reduce a substantial risk of T2DM.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42022372666.

Measurement of body composition in postpartum South African women living with and without HIV infection

Background

While several methodologies are available to measure adiposity, few have been validated in sub-Saharan African (SSA) and none in postpartum African women living with HIV (WLHIV). We compared bioelectrical impendence analysis (BIA) and air displacement plethysmography (ADP) against dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in South African women and examined differences by HIV and body mass index (BMI) status.

Methods

Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) test was used to examine fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM), and total body fat percent (%BF) difference between BIA vs. DXA, and ADP vs. DXA in women living with HIV (n = 57) and without HIV (n = 25). The Bland Altman test was used to assess mean differences and the direction of bias.

Results

The median age was 31 years (IQR, 26-35) and months postpartum were 11 (IQR, 7-16), 44% of the women had obesity. Lin's CCC for BIA and ADP vs. DXA were both 0.80 for %BF and 0.97 for FM, and 0.86 and 0.80 for FFM, respectively. Mean differences (DXA-BIA and ADP estimates) were 0.22 ± 4.54% (p = 0.54) and 3.35 ± 3.27% (p < 0.01) for %BF, -0.82 ± 3.56 kg (p = 0.06) and 1.43 ± 2.68 kg (p = 0.01) for FM, -1.38 ± 3.61 kg (p = 0.01) and - 3.34 ± 2.37 kg (p < 0.01) for FFM, respectively. BIA overestimated %BF in WLHIV and underestimated it in women with obesity.

Conclusion

Body composition measurements using BIA and ADP correlated well with DXA, thereby providing alternative, safe tools for measuring postpartum FM and FFM in SSA women, including WLHIV.

Sleep disordered breathing and neurobehavioral deficits in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is broadly recognized to be associated with neurobehavioral deficits, which have significant impacts on developing-aged children and adolescents. Therefore, our study aimed to quantify the proportion of neurobehavioral impairments attributed to SDB in general children and adolescents by population attributable fraction (PAF).

METHODS

The study was registered at PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023388143). We collected two types of literature on the prevalence of SDB and the risk of SDB-related neurobehavioral deficits from ten electronic databases and registers, respectively. The pooled effect sizes (Pe, Pc, RR) by random-effects meta-analysis were separately substituted into Levin's formula and Miettinen's formula to calculate PAFs.

RESULTS

Three prevalence literature and 2 risk literature, all with moderate/high quality, were included in the quantitative analysis individually. The prevalence of SDB was 11% (95%CI 2%-20%) in children and adolescents (Pe), while the SDB prevalence was 25% (95%CI 7%-42%) in neurobehavioral patients (Pc). SDB diagnosis at baseline was probably associated with about threefold subsequent incidence of neurobehavioral deficits (pooled RR 3.24, 95%CI 1.25-8.41), after multi-adjustment for key confounders. Up to 19.8% or 17.3% of neurobehavioral consequences may be attributed to SDB from Levin's formula and Miettinen's formula, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A certain number of neurobehavioral consequences may be attributable to SDB. It is essential for clinicians to identify and treat SDB timely, as well as screen for SDB in patients with neurobehavioral impairments. More longitudinal studies of SDB and neurobehavioral deficits are needed in the future to further certify the association between them.

Skeletal muscle estimation using magnetic-resonance-imaging-based equations for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) estimation is important but challenging in clinical settings. Criterion methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are often inaccessible. However, surrogate methods, such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MFBIA), can use MRI-based equations to estimate SMM, although the agreement between these methods is unclear.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Total and segmental SMM were estimated with DXA and MFBIA using MRI-based equations in 313 healthy adults (120 M, 193 F; age 30.2 ± 13.0 y; BMI 24.6 ± 4.0 kg/m2). DXA total SMM was estimated using the Kim and McCarthy equations, and segmental SMM was estimated using the McCarthy equations. Relationships between DXA and MFBIA SMM were examined using Deming regression, Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), equivalence testing, Bland-Altman analysis, and related tests.

RESULTS

Strong linear relationships were observed for total (R2 0.95, CCC 0.96-0.97), leg (R2 0.90, CCC 0.85) and arm (R2 0.93, CCC 0.93) SMM in the entire sample. Kim equation SMM demonstrated statistical equivalence with MFBIA for total SMM, but the Deming regression slope differed from 1 and proportional bias was present. McCarthy equation total SMM exhibited a regression slope that did not differ from 1, and no proportional bias was present in the entire sample. However, equivalence with MFBIA was not observed. Systematically higher leg and arm SMM values were observed with DXA as compared to MFBIA.

CONCLUSIONS

While DXA and MFBIA total SMM generally exhibited strong agreement, higher appendicular SMM by DXA highlights technical differences between methods.

The Effects of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors on Body Composition in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review

Body composition is related to cardiometabolic disorders and is a major driver of the growing incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Altered fat distribution and decreased muscle mass are related to dysglycemia and impose adverse health-related outcomes in people with T2DM. Hence, improving body composition and maintaining muscle mass is crucial in T2DM. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are novel glucose-lowering medications gaining popularity because of their cardiorenal-protective effects and weight-lowering characteristics. However, reports on myopathy secondary to SGLT2 inhibitor treatment raised a safety concern. The importance of maintaining muscle mass in people with T2DM necessitates further investigation to explore the impact of novel medications on body composition. In this review, we discussed current evidence on the impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on body composition in people with T2DM.

Matrix density regulates adipocyte phenotype

Alterations of the extracellular matrix contribute to adipose tissue dysfunction in metabolic disease. We studied the role of matrix density in regulating human adipocyte phenotype in a tunable hydrogel culture system. Lipid accumulation was maximal in intermediate hydrogel density of 5 weight %, relative to 3% and 10%. Adipogenesis and lipid and oxidative metabolic gene pathways were enriched in adipocytes in 5% relative to 3% hydrogels, while fibrotic gene pathways were enriched in 3% hydrogels. These data demonstrate that the intermediate density matrix promotes a more adipogenic, less fibrotic adipocyte phenotype geared towards increased lipid and aerobic metabolism. These observations contribute to a growing literature describing the role of matrix density in regulating adipose tissue function.

Effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors on adipose tissue distribution in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors therapies were reported to affect adipose tissue distribution. However, the available evidence about the effect of SGLT-2 inhibitor on adipose tissue is contradictory. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors on adipose tissue distribution in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

RCTs on SGLT-2 inhibitors on adipose distribution affect in patients with T2DM published in full-text journal databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched. The fixed or random effect model was used for meta-analysis, the I² test was used to evaluate the heterogeneity between studies, and the sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were used to explore the source of heterogeneity. Funnel chart and Begg's test were used to estimate publication bias.

RESULTS

Overall, 18 RCTs involving 1063 subjects were evaluated. Compared with placebo or other hypoglycemic drugs, SGLT-2 inhibitors significantly reduced visceral adipose tissue (standard mean deviation [SMD] = - 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] [- 2.02, - 0.82], I² = 94%, p < 0.0001), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SMD = - 1.21, 95% CI [- 1.99, - 0.42], I² = 93%, p = 0.003), ectopic liver adipose tissue (SMD = - 0.70, 95% CI [- 1.20, - 0.20], I² = 73%, p = 0.006). In addition, body weight (mean deviation [MD] = - 2.60, 95% CI [- 3.30, - 1.89], I² = 95%, p < 0.0001), waist circumference (MD = - 3.65, 95% CI [- 4.10, - 3.21], I² = 0%, p < 0.0001), and body mass index (BMI) (MD = - 0.81, 95% CI [- 0.91, - 0.71], I² = 23%, p < 0.0001) were significantly decreased. However, epicardial fat tissue showed an insignificant reduction (SMD = 0.03, 95% CI [- 0.52, 0.58], I² = 69%, p = 0.71). Subgroup analysis revealed that appropriate treatment duration (16 - 40 weeks) or young patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and obesity were the decisive factors for SGLT-2 inhibitors to effectively reduce visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis provides evidence that in patients with T2DM, SGLT-2 inhibitors significantly reduce visceral adipose tissue, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and ectopic liver fat, especially in young T2DM patients with NAFLD and high BMI. Appropriate dosing time (16-40 weeks) may have a more significant and stable beneficial effect on VAT and SAT reduction.

Differential effects of diet and physical activity interventions in pregnancy to prevent gestational diabetes mellitus and reduce gestational weight gain by level of maternal adiposity: a protocol for an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Women and their infants are at increased risk of complications if gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) occurs in pregnancy. Weight management interventions in pregnancy, consisting of diet and physical activity components are targeted based on maternal body mass index (BMI). However, the relative effectiveness of interventions targeted based on alternative measures of adiposity to BMI is unclear. This individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis aims to explore whether interventions are more effective at preventing GDM and reducing GWG in women according to their level of adiposity.

METHODS

The International Weight Management in Pregnancy Collaborative Network has a living database of IPD from randomised trials of diet and/or physical activity interventions in pregnancy. This IPD meta-analysis will use IPD from trials identified from systematic literature searches up until March 2021, where maternal adiposity measures (eg, waist circumference) were collected prior to 20 weeks' gestation. A two-stage random effects IPD meta-analysis approach will be taken for each outcome (GDM and GWG) to understand the effect of early pregnancy adiposity measures on the effect of weight management interventions for GDM prevention and GWG reduction. Summary intervention effects with 95% CIs) will be derived along with treatment covariate interactions. Between-study heterogeneity will be summarised by I² and tau² statistics. Potential sources of bias will be evaluated, and the nature of any missing data will be explored and appropriate imputation methods adopted.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval is not required. The study is registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42021282036). Results will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021282036.

Diet Quality Is Associated with Glucose Regulation in a Cohort of Young Adults

Young-onset type 2 diabetes and prediabetes is a growing epidemic. Poor diet is a known risk factor for T2D in older adults, but the contribution of diet to risk factors for T2D is not well-described in youth. Our objective was to examine the relationship of diet quality with prediabetes, glucose regulation, and adiposity in young adults. A cohort of young adults (n = 155, age 17-22) was examined between 2014-2018, and 89 underwent a follow-up visit from 2020-2022. At each visit, participants completed diet and body composition assessments and an oral glucose tolerance test. Adherence to four dietary patterns was assessed: Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Healthy Eating Index (HEI), Mediterranean diet, and Diet Inflammatory Index (DII). Regression analyses were used to determine adjusted associations of diet with risk for prediabetes and adiposity. Each one-point increase in DASH or HEI scores between visits reduced the risk for prediabetes at follow-up by 64% (OR, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.17-0.68) and 9% (OR, 95% CI: 0.91, 0.85-0.96), respectively. The DASH diet was inversely associated with adiposity, while DII was positively associated with adiposity. In summary, positive changes in HEI and DASH scores were associated with reduced risk for prediabetes in young adults.

The effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on adipose tissues in patients with type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Aims

Glucagon‑like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) treatment can improve adipose distribution. We performed this meta-analysis to investigate whether GLP-1RAs preferentially reduce visceral adipose tissue (VAT) over subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods

We searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library for randomised controlled trials explicitly reporting changes in VAT and SAT. A random-effects model was performed to estimate the weighted mean difference (MD) for VAT and SAT. Heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using I2 statistics, and publication bias was assessed using Egger’s tests. Meta-regression was performed to identify the correlation between changes in adipose tissues and changes in body weight and glycated haemoglobin level.

Results

Ten trials with 924 patients were enrolled in the meta-analysis. GLP-1RA treatment led to similar absolute area (cm2) reductions in VAT (MD -21.13 cm2, 95% CI [-29.82, -12.44]) and SAT (MD -22.89 cm2, 95% CI [-29.83, -15.95]). No significant publication bias was detected, and this result was stable in the sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Moreover, GLP-1RA treatment resulted in a greater reduction in VAT and SAT in the subgroup with a greater reduction in body weight. The absolute area reduction in VAT was significantly correlated with the reduction in body weight (r = 6.324, p = 0.035).

Conclusions

GLP-1RA treatment leads to significant and similar absolute reductions in VAT and SAT, and the reduction in adipose tissues may be correlated with the reduction in body weight.

Body Fat Distribution, Glucose Metabolism, and Diabetes Status Among Older Adults: The Multiethnic Cohort Adiposity Phenotype Study

BACKGROUND

As the proportion of visceral (VAT) to subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) may contribute to type 2 diabetes (T2D) development, we examined this relation in a cross-sectional design within the Multiethnic Cohort that includes Japanese Americans known to have high VAT. The aim was to understand how ectopic fat accumulation differs by glycemic status across ethnic groups with disparate rates of obesity, T2D, and propensity to accumulate VAT.

METHODS

In 2013-2016, 1,746 participants aged 69.2 (standard deviation, 2.7) years from five ethnic groups completed questionnaires, blood collections, and whole-body dual X-ray absorptiometry and abdominal magnetic resonance imaging scans. Participants with self-reported T2D and/or medication were classified as T2D, those with fasting glucose >125 and 100-125 mg/dL as undiagnosed cases (UT2D) and prediabetes (PT2D), respectively. Using linear regression, we estimated adjusted means of adiposity measures by T2D status.

RESULTS

Overall, 315 (18%) participants were classified as T2D, 158 (9%) as UT2D, 518 (30%) as PT2D, and 755 (43%) as normoglycemic (NG), with significant ethnic differences (P < 0.0001). In fully adjusted models, VAT, VAT/SAT, and percent liver fat increased significantly from NG, PT2D, UT2D, to T2D (P < 0.001). Across ethnic groups, the VAT/SAT ratio was lowest for NG participants and highest for T2D cases. Positive trends were observed in all groups except African Americans, with highest VAT/SAT in Japanese Americans.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that VAT plays an important role in T2D etiology, in particular among Japanese Americans with high levels of ectopic adipose tissue, which drives the development of T2D to a greater degree than in other ethnic groups.

Greater ectopic fat deposition and liver fibroinflammation and lower skeletal muscle mass in people with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with significant end-organ damage and ectopic fat accumulation. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide a rapid, noninvasive assessment of multiorgan and body composition. The primary objective of this study was to investigate differences in visceral adiposity, ectopic fat accumulation, body composition, and relevant biomarkers between people with and without T2D.

METHODS

Participant demographics, routine biochemistry, and multiparametric MRI scans of the liver, pancreas, visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle were analyzed from 266 participants (131 with T2D and 135 without T2D) who were matched for age, gender, and BMI. Wilcoxon and χ² tests were performed to calculate differences between groups.

RESULTS

Participants with T2D had significantly elevated liver fat (7.4% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.011) and fibroinflammation (as assessed by corrected T1 [cT1]; 730 milliseconds vs. 709 milliseconds, p = 0.019), despite there being no differences in liver biochemistry, serum aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.35), or alanine transaminase concentration (p = 0.11). Significantly lower measures of skeletal muscle index (45.2 cm² /m² vs. 50.6 cm² /m² , p = 0.003) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.1 mmol/L vs. 1.3 mmol/L, p < 0.0001) were observed in participants with T2D.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiparametric MRI revealed significantly elevated liver fat and fibroinflammation in participants with T2D, despite normal liver biochemistry. This study corroborates findings of significantly lower measures of skeletal muscle and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in participants with T2D versus those without T2D.

Association between fat mass index, fat-free mass index and hemoglobin A1c in a Japanese population: The Tohoku Medical Megabank Community-based Cohort Study

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Fat mass and fat-free mass affect glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and blood glucose levels, respectively. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between the fat mass index and fat-free mass index with HbA1c.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out a cross-sectional study that included 3,731 men and 9,191 women aged ≥20 years, living in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, who were not treated for diabetes. The fat mass index and fat-free mass index were calculated as fat mass and fat-free mass divided by the height squared, respectively. The indices were classified into sex-specific quartiles and combined into 16 groups. An analysis of covariance was used to assess associations between the combined fat mass index and fat-free mass index with HbA1c adjusted for potential confounders. The linear trend test was carried out by stratifying the fat mass index and fat-free mass index, entering the number as a continuous term in the regression model.

RESULTS

In multivariable models, a higher fat mass index was related to higher HbA1c levels in men and women in all fat-free mass index subgroups (P < 0.001 for linear trend). When we excluded the participants who had been identified as having diabetes, the fat-free mass index was also related to higher HbA1c levels in most fat mass index subgroups (P < 0.05 for linear trend).

CONCLUSIONS

Fat mass index was positively related to HbA1c levels. The fat-free mass index was also related to HbA1c levels when we excluded participants who had been identified as having have diabetes.

Body composition of the upper limb associated with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes

The associations between segmental body composition and metabolic diseases remain equivocal. This study aimed to investigate this association using the example of U.S. adults. This cross-sectional study included 12,148 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2011-2018). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between segmental body composition quartiles of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes. Among 12,148 participants, 3,569, 5,683, and 1,212 had hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, increased percent upper limb lean body mass was associated with a lower risk of hypertension (OR= 0.88, 95%CI: 0.84, 0.92, P _trend<0.001), hypercholesterolemia (OR= 0.93, 95%CI: 0.89, 0.96, P _trend<0.001), and diabetes (OR= 0.96, 95%CI: 0.95, 0.98, P _trend<0.001). Increased upper limb fat mass is associated with an increased risk of hypertension (OR= 1.11, 95%CI: 1.07, 1.15, P _trend<0.001), hypercholesterolemia (OR= 1.05, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.09, P _trend=0.07), and diabetes (OR= 1.03, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.05, P _trend=0.014). The same correlations were found in the torso and whole-body composition parameters. We observed that for women, lean body mass has a better protective effect on metabolic diseases [hypertension (OR= 0.88, 95%CI: 0.82, 0.93), hypercholesteremia (OR =0.86, 95%CI: 0.81, 0.92), diabetes (OR= 0.97, 95%CI: 0.85, 0.99)]; for men, increased body fat is associated with greater risk of metabolic disease[hypertension (OR= 1.24, 95%CI: 1.15, 1.33), hypercholesteremia (OR =1.09, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.18), diabetes (OR= 1.06, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.10)]. There were significant differences between different gender. These findings suggested that upper limb and torso adiposity should be considered when assessing chronic metabolic disease risk using body composition.

Relative Lean Body Mass and Waist Circumference for the Identification of Metabolic Syndrome in the Korean General Population

Lean body mass (LBM) comprises organs and muscle, which are the primary determinants of energy expenditure and regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. Excessive abdominal fat is associated with metabolic abnormality. Little is known about the relationship between metabolic abnormality and LBM and waist circumference (WC), especially in the Asian general population. The aim of this study was to clarify this relationship. We performed a cross-sectional study with 499,648 subjects who received health check-ups at 16 health promotion centers in 13 Korean cities between January 2018 and October 2019. The subjects were categorized into four groups: (a) High (H)-RLBM (relative lean body mass)/Normal (N)-WC, (b) High-RLBM/Abnormal (A)-WC, (c) Low (L)-RLBM/Normal-WC, and (d) Low-RLBM/Abnormal-WC. RLBM was calculated using fat mass data that were estimated via bioelectrical impedance analysis. L-RLBM/A-WC was significantly associated with metabolically unhealthy status (OR: 4.40, 95% CI: 4.326–4.475) compared to H-RLBM/N-WC. L-RLBM/N-WC (OR: 2.170, 95% CI: 2.122–2.218) and H-RLBM/A-WC (OR: 2.713, 95% CI: 2.659–2.769) were also significantly related to metabolic unhealthy status. The cut-offs of RLBM for predicting metabolic syndrome (MetS) were 74.9 in males and 66.4 in females (p < 0.001). L-RLBM and A-WC are associated with metabolic abnormality in the Korean general population. RLBM is an anthropometric index that can be used to predict MetS in primary health care.

DXA Versus Clinical Measures of Adiposity as Predictors of Cardiometabolic Diseases and All-Cause Mortality in Postmenopausal Women

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) estimates of adiposity improve risk prediction for cardiometabolic diseases over traditional surrogates, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in older women.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed up to 9744 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years participating in the Women's Health Initiative who underwent a DXA scan and were free of cardiovascular disease and diabetes at baseline (October 1993 to December 1998) and followed through September 2015. Baseline BMI, WC, WHR, and DXA-derived percent total-body and trunk fat (%TrF) were incorporated into multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the risk of incident diabetes, atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs), heart failure, and death. Concordance probability estimates assessed the relative discriminatory value between pairs of adiposity measures.

RESULTS

A total of 1327 diabetes cases, 1266 atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) cases, 292 heart failure cases, and 1811 deaths from any cause accrued during a median follow-up of up to 17.2 years. The largest hazard ratio observed per 1 standard deviation increase of an adiposity measure was for %TrF and diabetes (1.77; 95% CI, 1.66-1.88) followed by %TrF and broadly defined ASCVD (1.22; 95% CI, 1.15-1.30). These hazard ratios remained significant for both diabetes (1.47; 95% CI, 1.37-1.57) and ASCVD (1.22; 95% CI, 1.14-1.31) even after adjusting for the best traditional surrogate measure of adiposity, WC. Percentage of trunk fat was also the only adiposity measure to demonstrate statistically significant improved concordance probability estimates over BMI, WC, and WHR for diabetes and ASCVD (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

DXA-derived estimates of abdominal adiposity in postmenopausal women may allow for substantially improved risk prediction of diabetes over standard clinical risk models. Larger DXA studies with complete lipid biomarker profiles and clinical trials are needed before firm conclusions can be made.

Estimating trunk fat in children according to sex using basic somatic readings: an opportunity for improving evaluation among girls

BACKGROUND

The fat mass estimators waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and relative fat mass-pediatric (RFMp) complement the widely accepted body mass index (BMI) in obesity evaluation.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

Conduct an easy appraisal of trunk fat and the cardiometabolic risk associated with pediatric obesity.

METHODS

A total of 472 children (39% boys in the total sample) were classified as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese (nutritional groups, NGs) according to BMI Z-score after initial anthropometric data were obtained and ad hoc exclusion criteria were applied. WHtR and RFMp (% of total fat) were calculated for each group, associations were assessed through multiple linear regression (MLR), and differences between sexes were evaluated (medians, IQR).

RESULTS

The mean age (mean (95% CI)) was 10.8 y (10.1-11.1). The values in the total sample were as follows: WHtR, 0.5 (0.49-0.51) and RFMp%, 32.3 (31.7-33.0). In the overweight group, the values were as follows: WHtR, 0.51 (0.50-0.52) and RFMp(%), 34.2 (33.3-35.1). In the obese group, the values were as follows: WHtR, 0.56 (0.55-0.57) and RFMp(%), 37.8 (36.9-38.6). The associations were as follows (NG; independent variables): In the NG, adjusted R2 values were between 0.74 and 0.78. In the total sample, the beta coefficient was 3.36 (P < 0.001) for RFMp for girls; for waist circumference (WC), the beta coefficient was 2.97 (P < 0.001), and for WHtR the beta coefficients were - 0.01 (p < 0.001) and 0.03 (p < 0.001),for girls and for WC respectively. The sex differences were as follows: BMI exhibited no differences in the NG (Mann-Whitney U). WHtR (median (IQR)) differed (M vs. F) in the total sample (0.49 (0.45-0.54) vs. 0.52 (0.45-0.56), p < 0.004); in the overweight group (0.51 (0.48-0.53) vs. 0.54 (0.51-0.55), p < 0.001); and in the obese group (0.55 (0.52-0.57) vs. 0.57 (0.54-0.60), p < 0.004). RFMp (%) differed in the total group (29.21 (24.27-32.92) vs. 36.63 (30.2-39.51), p < 0.001); in the overweight group (31.24 (28.35-32.35) vs. 37.95 (35.75-38.82), p < 0.001) and in the obese group (35.89 (32.05-36.15) vs. 40.63 (38.27-42.42), p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

WHtR and RFMp are simple and reliable indices that do not require centile charts. Their values, including waist circumference, can be used to estimate the different trunk fat components in boys and girls better than BMI, especially if individuals are overweight or obese. RFMp proved to be more reliable as it considers sex. Both should be included in routine anthropometric readings.

Association of Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet with Excess Body Mass, Muscle Strength and Physical Performance in Overweight or Obese Adults with or without Type 2 Diabetes: Two Cross-Sectional Studies

Overweight and obesity in older adults is associated with disability and is exacerbated by the presence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). There is emerging evidence that adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) reduces adiposity and attenuates physical disability. These cross-sectional studies explored the associations of adherence to a MedDiet with body mass index (BMI), adiposity, muscle strength, and physical performance in older adults without diabetes and in middle-aged or older adults with T2DM. MedDiet adherence was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener. Fat mass and percent body fat were assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Muscle strength was assessed using hand-grip strength, while physical performance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery and gait speed. A total of n = 87 participants with T2DM (T2DM sample: 71.2 ± 8.2 years, BMI: 29.5 ± 5.9) and n = 65 participants without diabetes (non-T2DM sample: 68.7 ± 5.6 years, BMI: 33.7 ± 4.9) were included in these analyses. In the T2DM sample, when controlled for age, gender, and appendicular lean mass index, adherence to a MedDiet was inversely associated with BMI, fat mass, and percent body fat. However, this was no longer maintained in the fully adjusted models. Although, adherence to a MedDiet was positively associated with gait speed (β = 0.155; p = 0.050) independent of all covariates used. Adherence to a MedDiet may be a suitable dietary strategy for preserving lower body physical function in middle-aged and older adults with T2DM. However, these findings should be further investigated using well-designed randomised controlled trials and prospective cohort studies with a wider range of adherence scores to investigate temporal associations.

Selecting Risk of Bias Tools for Observational Studies for a Systematic Review of Anthropometric Measurements and Dental Caries among Children

In conducting a systematic review, assessing the risk of bias of the included studies is a vital step; thus, choosing the most pertinent risk of bias (ROB) tools is crucial. This paper determined the most appropriate ROB tools for assessing observational studies in a systematic review assessing the association between anthropometric measurements and dental caries among children. First, we determined the ROB tools used in previous reviews on a similar topic. Subsequently, we reviewed articles on ROB tools to identify the most recommended ROB tools for observational studies. Of the twelve ROB tools identified from the previous steps, three ROB tools that best fit the eight criteria of a good ROB tool were the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cohort and case-control studies, and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) for a cross-sectional study. We further assessed the inter-rater reliability for all three tools by analysing the percentage agreement, inter-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and kappa score. The overall percentage agreements and reliability scores of these tools ranged from good to excellent. Two ROB tools for the cross-sectional study were further evaluated qualitatively against nine of a tool's advantages and disadvantages. Finally, the AHRQ and NOS were selected as the most appropriate ROB tool to assess cross-sectional and cohort studies in the present review.

Fat mass to fat-free mass ratio and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and fibrosis in non-obese and obese individuals

Context

Body composition may explain partially why non-obese individuals still at the risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The ratio of fat mass to fat-free mass (FM/FFM) has been proposed to assess the combined effect of different body compositions.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the associations of FM/FFM ratio with the risk of developing NAFLD and fibrosis and to identify the potential mediators according to obesity status.

Methods

This cohort study comprised 3419 adults age ≥ 40 years and free of NAFLD at baseline. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. NAFLD was ascertained by ultrasonography and fibrosis was assessed by non-invasive score systems.

Results

For each 1 standard deviation increment in FM/FFM ratio, the odds ratio for the risk of NAFLD was 1.55 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23–1.95) in non-obese men, 1.33 (95% CI 1.08–1.65) in obese men, 1.42 (95% CI 1.44–1.67) in non-obese women, and 1.29 (95% CI 1.12–1.50) in obese women. Similar associations were also found between FM/FFM ratio and NAFLD with fibrosis. Mediation analysis showed that insulin resistance, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, white blood cells, and total cholesterol mediated the association of FM/FFM ratio with NAFLD risk in specific sex and obesity subgroups.

Conclusions

The FM/FFM ratio significantly associated with the NAFLD and fibrosis risk in both non-obese and obese individuals. Different factors may mediate the association between body composition and NAFLD risk according to different obesity status.

A preliminary pilot study investigating the impact of endovascular treatment on leg muscle volume in peripheral artery disease and its relation to baseline glycemic control

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), intermittent claudication, and impaired mobility contribute to the loss of skeletal muscle. This study investigated the impact of endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients suffering from PAD above the knee and its relation to baseline glycemic control.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mid-thigh muscle volume was measured before EVT, 3 months after EVT and 6 months after EVT. Mid-thigh muscle volumes of ipsilateral PAD patients with ischemic and non-ischemic legs were compared. Correlations between total thigh muscle volume and clinical characteristics were analyzed using univariable and multivariable analysis. Overall, thigh muscle volume increased after EVT. The mid-thigh muscle volume was significantly lower in patients with ipsilateral lesions and in those with ischemic lower limbs. The thigh muscle volume of those with ischemic lower limbs increased after EVT. Baseline glycated hemoglobin was the only factor that was negatively correlated with changes in the muscle volume after EVT. Muscle volume significantly increased in normoglycemic HbA1c<6.5% (47 mmol/mol) patients. There was no significant alteration in the muscle volume of hyperglycemic HbA1c ≥ 6.5% patients.

CONCLUSION

Ischemic muscle atrophy was ameliorated after EVT in normoglycemic patients. There is a need for a large-scale trial to investigate whether EVT can protect or delay skeletal muscle loss.

Reference Values for DXA-Derived Visceral Adipose Tissue in Adults 40 Years and Older from a European Population: The Tromsø Study 2015-2016

BACKGROUND

Reference values for visceral adipose tissue (VAT) are needed and it has been advocated that body composition measures depend on both the technique and methods applied, as well as the population of interest. We aimed to develop reference values for VAT in absolute grams (VATg), percent (VAT%), and as a kilogram-per-meters-squared index (VATindex) for women and men, and investigate potential differences between these measures and their associations with cardiometabolic risk factors (including metabolic syndrome (MetS)).

METHODS

In the seventh survey of the population-based Tromsø Study, 3675 participants (aged 40-84, 59% women) attended whole-body DXA scans (Lunar Prodigy GE) from where VAT was derived. We used descriptive analysis, correlations, receiver operating characteristics (ROC), and logistic regression to propose reference values for VAT and investigated VAT's association with cardiometabolic risk factors, MetS and single MetS components. Further, Youden's index was used to suggest threshold values for VAT.

RESULTS

VATg and VATindex increased until age 70 and then decreased, while VAT% increased with age across all age groups. VAT (all measurement units) was moderate to highly correlated and significantly associated with all cardiometabolic risk factors, except for total cholesterol. Associations between MetS, single MetS components, and VATg and VATindex were similar, and VAT% did not contribute any further to this association.

CONCLUSION

These VAT reference values and thresholds, developed in a sample of adults of Norwegian origin, could be applied to other studies with similar populations using the same DXA device and protocols. The associations between VAT and cardiometabolic risk factors were similar across different measurement units of VAT.

Relationship of Fat Mass Index and Fat Free Mass Index With Body Mass Index and Association With Function, Cognition and Sarcopenia in Pre-Frail Older Adults

BACKGROUND

Body mass index (BMI) is an inadequate marker of obesity, and cannot distinguish between fat mass, fat free mass and distribution of adipose tissue. The purpose of this study was twofold. First, to assess cross-sectional relationship of BMI with fat mass index (FMI), fat free mass index (FFMI) and ratio of fat mass to fat free mass (FM/FFM). Second, to study the association of FMI, FFMI and FM/FFM with physical function including sarcopenia, and cognition in pre-frail older adults.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of 191 pre-frail participants ≥ 65 years, 57.1% females. Data was collected on demographics, cognition [Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)], function, frailty, calf circumference, handgrip strength (HGS), short physical performance battery (SPPB) and gait speed. Body composition was measured using InBody S10. FMI, FFMI and FM/FFM were classified into tertiles (T1, T2, T3) with T1 classified as lowest and T3 highest tertile respectively and stratified by BMI.

RESULTS

Higher FFMI and lower FM/FFM in the high BMI group were associated with better functional outcomes. Prevalence of low muscle mass was higher in the normal BMI group. FMI and FM/FFM were significantly higher in females and FFMI in males with significant gender differences except for FFMI in ≥ 80 years old. Small calf circumference was significantly less prevalent in the highest tertile of FMI, FM/FMI and FFMI. Prevalence of sarcopenic obesity and low physical function (HGS, gait speed and SPPB scores) were significantly higher in the highest FMI and FM/FFM tertile. Highest FFMI tertile group had higher physical function, higher MoCA scores, lower prevalence of sarcopenic obesity and sarcopenia, After adjustment, highest tertile of FFMI was associated with lower odds of sarcopenia especially in the high BMI group. Highest tertile of FM/FFM was associated with higher odds of sarcopenia. Higher BMI was associated with lower odds of sarcopenia.

CONCLUSION

FFMI and FM/FFM may be a better predictor of functional outcomes in pre-frail older adults than BMI. Cut-off values for healthy BMI values and role of calf circumference as a screening tool for sarcopenia need to be validated in larger population. Health promotion intervention should focus on FFMI increment.

Preoperative sarcopenia is associated with poor overall survival in pancreatic cancer patients following pancreaticoduodenectomy

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the effect of preoperative body composition on survival in patients with pancreatic cancer following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS

Between October 2005 and August 2018, 116 patients (68 men, 48 women, mean age 66.2 ± 11.9 years) diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma following PD were retrospectively enrolled. The preoperative CT on vertebral level L3 was assessed for total abdominal muscle area (TAMA), visceral adipose tissue area (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue area (SAT), and mean skeletal muscle attenuation (SMD). The clinical data and pathological findings of tumors were collected. The impact of these factors on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method and by univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

The 3-year DFS and OS rates were 8% and 25%, respectively. Of 116 patients, 20 (17.2%), 3 (2.6%), and 46 (39.7%) patients were classified as having sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and myosteatosis, respectively. The VAT-TAMA ratio (1.2 ± 0.7 vs 0.9 ± 0.5, p = 0.01) and the visceral to subcutaneous adipose tissue area ratio (1.3 ± 0.7 vs 0.9 ± 0.5, p = 0.04) were higher in sarcopenic patients than in the nonsarcopenic group. Preoperative sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity were associated with shorter OS (p = 0.012 and p = 0.041, respectively), but not shorter DFS. Myosteatosis was neither associated with DFS nor OS. On multivariable analysis, sarcopenia was the only significant prognostic factor for OS (p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative sarcopenia assessed by CT is a poor prognostic factor for OS in pancreatic cancer patients after PD.

KEY POINTS

• Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity can be evaluated by abdominal CT on L3 level. • Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) had lower sex-standardized subcutaneous adipose tissue area index and skeletal muscle density and higher visceral to subcutaneous adipose tissue area ratio than did those without DM. • Preoperative sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and new-onset diabetes mellitus may predict poor overall survival in pancreatic cancer patients following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Five-component model validation of reference, laboratory and field methods of body composition assessment

This study reports the validity of body fat percentage (BF%) estimates from several commonly employed techniques as compared with a five-component (5C) model criterion. Healthy adults (n 170) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), air displacement plethysmography (ADP), multiple bioimpedance techniques and optical scanning. Output was also used to produce a criterion 5C model, multiple variants of three- and four-component models (3C; 4C) and anthropometry-based BF% estimates. Linear regression, Bland-Altman analysis and equivalence testing were performed alongside evaluation of the constant error (CE), total error (TE), se of the estimate (SEE) and coefficient of determination (R2). The major findings were (1) differences between 5C, 4C and 3C models utilising the same body volume (BV) and total body water (TBW) estimates are negligible (CE ≤ 0·2 %; SEE < 0·5 %; TE ≤ 0·5 %; R2 1·00; 95 % limits of agreement (LOA) ≤ 0·9 %); (2) moderate errors from alternate TBW or BV estimates in multi-component models were observed (CE ≤ 1·3 %; SEE ≤ 2·1 %; TE ≤ 2·2 %; R2 ≥ 0·95; 95 % LOA ≤ 4·2 %); (3) small differences between alternate DXA (i.e. tissue v. region) and ADP (i.e. Siri v. Brozek equations) estimates were observed, and both techniques generally performed well (CE < 3·0 %; SEE ≤ 2·3 %; TE ≤ 3·6 %; R2 ≥ 0·88; 95 % LOA ≤ 4·8 %); (4) bioimpedance technologies performed well but exhibited larger individual-level errors (CE < 1·0 %; SEE ≤ 3·1 %; TE ≤ 3·3 %; R2 ≥ 0·94; 95 % LOA ≤ 6·2 %) and (5) anthropometric equations generally performed poorly (CE 0·6- 5·7 %; SEE ≤ 5·1 %; TE ≤ 7·4 %; R2 ≥ 0·67; 95 % LOA ≤ 10·6 %). Collectively, the data presented in this manuscript can aid researchers and clinicians in selecting an appropriate body composition assessment method and understanding the associated errors when compared with a reference multi-component model.

The Effects of Intermittent Fasting Combined with Resistance Training on Lean Body Mass: A Systematic Review of Human Studies

Diets utilising intermittent fasting (IF) as a strategic method to manipulate body composition have recently grown in popularity, however, dietary practices involving fasting have also been followed for centuries for religious reasons (i.e., Ramadan). Regardless of the reasons for engaging in IF, the impacts on lean body mass (LBM) may be detrimental. Previous research has demonstrated that resistance training promotes LBM accrual, however, whether this still occurs during IF is unclear. Therefore, the objective of this review is to systematically analyse human studies investigating the effects of variations of IF combined with resistance training on changes in LBM in previously sedentary or trained (non-elite) individuals. Changes in body weight and fat mass, and protocol adherence were assessed as a secondary objective. This review followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed and SportDiscus databases were searched for articles investigating IF, combined with resistance training that reported measures of body composition. Eight studies met the eligibility criteria. LBM was generally maintained, while one study reported a significant increase in LBM. Body fat mass or percentage was significantly reduced in five of eight studies. Results suggest that IF paired with resistance training generally maintains LBM, and can also promote fat loss. Future research should examine longer-term effects of various forms of IF combined with resistance training compared to traditional forms of energy restriction. Prospero registration CRD42018103867.

Body Composition and the Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Type 2 Diabetes: The Roles of Disease Duration and Glycemic Control

PURPOSE

Data about body compositional changes throughout the course of type 2 diabetes (T2D) are limited and inconsistent. We investigated the roles of the disease duration and glycemic control in T2D-associated changes of body composition and the components of metabolic syndrome (MetS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 25 non-diabetic controls and 92 individuals aged 20-60 years with T2D were included in a case-control study conducted at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Based on disease duration (newly diagnosed: within the first year and long duration: ≥5 years) and glycemic control (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1C] level ≤7%), the patients were divided into the following groups: newly diagnosed and controlled (N&C, n=25), newly diagnosed and uncontrolled (N&U, n=17), old and controlled (O&C, n=25), and old and uncontrolled (O&U, n=25). Blood samples were collected to assess fasting blood glucose level, HbA1C level, and lipid profile. Anthropometric data were evaluated, and body composition was assessed using a bio-impedancemetry analyzer. Nonparametric tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, the fat mass (FM) was significantly higher in all groups; furthermore, the fat mass/fat-free mass (FM/FFM) ratio was significantly higher in the N&C. The N&U and O&U groups showed significantly higher percentages of all components of MetS. Among all selected independent factors, only age increased the likelihood of MetS diagnosis by 7% (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.004-1.149; P<0.05). Besides, age, gender, adherence to diet regimen, and T2D duration showed lower odds of increased FM/FFM ratio.

CONCLUSION

This study provided evidence about the impact of T2D on body composition and the other components of MetS. Thus, further characterization of T2D contributes to defining the etiology of the disease to detect and treat poor cardiometabolic health.

Does lean body mass equal health despite body mass index?

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between having simultaneously high body mass index (BMI) and high relative lean body mass (LBM) and cardio-metabolic risk factors, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and diabetes in adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis was performed on 4982 adults aged 19-85 years that participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (cycles 1999-2000-2005-2006). The primary exposure variable was categorization into four groups: (a) Low-BMI/Low-LBM, (b) Low-BMI/High-LBM, (c) High-BMI/Low-LBM, and (d) High-BMI/High-LBM. LBM was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The primary outcome measures were cardio-metabolic risk factors, MetS based on the ATP III definition; participants were required to have at least three of the following five criteria: high waist circumference, low HDL cholesterol, elevated triglyceride levels, high resting blood pressure, and self-reported diabetes.

RESULTS

Compared to the High-BMI/High-LBM, most cardio-metabolic risk factors were significantly different among groups (P < .05) while no such differences were observed for the High-BMI/Low-LBM (P > .05). Exception of waist circumference (OR [95%]: 21.8 [8.84-53.82]), there was no increased odds of having cardio-metabolic risk factors in the High-BMI/Low-LBM compared with the High-BMI/High-LBM (P > .05). The odds of having MetS and diabetes for the High-BMI/Low-LBM compared with the High-BMI/High-LBM were OR (95% CI): 1.68 (0.84-3.36) and 0.59 (0.26-1.34), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that having a high-BMI as well as high relative LBM levels is not associated with cardio-metabolic risk factors, MetS, and diabetes. Therefore, maintaining a BMI below 30 kg/m² appears to be clinically relevant, regardless of LBM levels.