Resting metabolic rate, body-fat distribution, and visceral fat in obese women.
Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was evaluated in 27 obese women aged 16-49 y [body mass index (in kg/m2) 27-51] by indirect calorimetry. Visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue areas, body fat, and fat-free mass (FFM) were measured by a single scan with computed tomography (CT); the waist-hip circumference ratio (W/H) was also used. Comparison between the lowest and the highest RMR quartiles--adjusted for age and FFM--revealed a higher W/H in the highest quartile (0.78 +/- 0.08 vs 0.88 +/- 0.08; P < 0.05). No difference was observed in CT indexes. No differences in W/H were observed after RMR was adjusted for age, FFM, and body fat. Our results point out that RMR, adjusted for FFM and age, correlates with body-fat distribution as evaluated by W/H, but not with visceral fat, as evaluated by CT. Correlations disappeared after RMR was adjusted for body fat as well.
Armellini
F
F
Institute of Internal Medicine, University of Verona, Italy.
Robbi
R
R
Zamboni
M
M
Todesco
T
T
Castelli
S
S
Bosello
O
O
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000473:pathology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001481:Basal Metabolism; D001823:Body Composition; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed