Measurement of Visceral Fat, Abdominal Circumference and Waist-hip Ratio to Predict Health Risk in Males and Females

Pak J Biol Sci. 2019 Jan;22(4):168-173. doi: 10.3923/pjbs.2019.168.173.

Abstract

Background and objective: Obesity is a risk factor for a broad range of diseases. This study aimed to estimate association between selected variables (visceral fat, abdominal circumference and waist-hip ratio) and health risk in between male and female.

Materials and methods: The university student based cross-sectional study was conducted among male and female students. The anthropometric measurements were taken through the auto-calibrated digital scale. Bioelectrical impedance analyzer device was used to determine visceral fat area, abdominal circumference and waist-hip ratio. Independent t-test and Pearson Chi-Square was used for statistical analysis. To see the association among the all three variables, scatter plots were also drawn.

Results: The results showed that 28.3% male and 9.4% female at risk for visceral fat, for the abdominal circumference 16.9% male and 6% female at risk and for waist-hip ratio 27.5% male and 6% female fell under risk category. There was a significant relationship among all variable for male and female.

Conclusion: Findings suggested that visceral fat area, abdominal circumference and waist-hip ratio were strong predictors of health risk. Male were more prone to health risk than female participants.

Keywords: Visceral fat area; abdominal circumference; bioelectrical impedance analyzer; health risk; waist-hip ratio.

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Fat
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anthropometry*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Electric Impedance
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intra-Abdominal Fat*
  • Male
  • Metabolic Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Obesity / physiopathology
  • Risk Factors
  • Waist Circumference*
  • Waist-Hip Ratio*
  • Young Adult