Association of lifestyle factors with abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adiposity: the Framingham Heart Study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between lifestyle factors and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in a community-based setting.


METHODS
Cross-sectional associations between lifestyle factors (dietary quality, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption) and SAT and VAT volumes were examined in 2,926 Framingham Heart Study participants (48.6% women, aged 50 +/- 10 years).


RESULTS
Diets consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines Adherence Index and greater physical activity were inversely associated with SAT and VAT (P < 0.0001-0.002). In men, former smoking was associated with higher SAT (2,743 +/- 56 cm(3)) compared with current smokers (2,629 +/- 88 cm(3)) or those who never smoked (2,538 +/- 44 cm(3); P = 0.02). Both former and current smoking was associated with higher VAT (P = 0.03 [women]; P = 0.005 [men]). Women with high amounts of alcohol intake (>7 drinks/week) had lower SAT (2,869 +/- 106 cm(3)) than those who consumed less alcohol (3,184 +/- 44 cm(3), P = 0.006); significant differences in VAT were not observed (P = 0.18). In men, high amounts of alcohol intake (>14 drinks/week) were associated with higher VAT (2,272 +/- 59 cm(3)) compared with intake of <or=14 drinks/week (2,139 +/- 25 cm(3), P = 0.04), whereas SAT did not differ (P = 0.91). An increasing number of healthy lifestyle factors were associated with lower SAT and VAT volumes (all P < 0.003).


CONCLUSIONS
Adherence to recommended dietary guidelines and physical activity are associated with lower SAT and VAT volumes. However, both smoking and high alcohol intake are differentially associated with VAT volumes. Further research to uncover the putative mechanisms is warranted.
Molenaar
Esther A
EA
Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht and Municipal Health Service Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Massaro
Joseph M
JM
Jacques
Paul F
PF
Pou
Karla M
KM
Ellison
R Curtis
RC
Hoffmann
Udo
U
Pencina
Karol
K
Shadwick
Steven D
SD
Vasan
Ramachandran S
RS
O'Donnell
Christopher J
CJ
Fox
Caroline S
CS
D050154:Adiposity / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D050152:Intra-Abdominal Fat / Q000378:metabolism*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D050151:Subcutaneous Fat / Q000378:metabolism