Effect of android to gynoid fat ratio on insulin resistance in obese youth.
BACKGROUND
Upper body fat distribution is associated with the early development of insulin resistance in obese children and adolescents.


OBJECTIVE
To determine if an android to gynoid fat ratio is associated with the severity of insulin resistance in obese children and adolescents, whereas peripheral subcutaneous fat may have a protective effect against insulin resistance.


METHODS
The pediatric department of University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis using data from medical consultations between January 2005 and January 2007.


METHODS
Data from 66 obese children and adolescents coming to the hospital for medical consultation were used in this study.


METHODS
Subjects were stratified into tertiles of android to gynoid fat ratio determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Insulin resistance was assessed by the homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index.


RESULTS
There were no differences in weight, body mass index, and body fat percentage between tertiles. Values of HOMA-IR were significantly increased in the 2 higher tertiles (mean [SD], tertile 2, 2.73 [1.41]; tertile 3, 2.89 [1.28]) compared with the lower tertile (tertile 1, 1.67 [1.24]) of android to gynoid fat ratio (P < .001). The HOMA-IR value was significantly associated with android to gynoid fat ratio (r = 0.35; P < .01).


CONCLUSIONS
Android fat distribution is associated with an increased insulin resistance in obese children and adolescents. An android to gynoid fat ratio based on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry measurements is a useful and simple technique to assess distribution of body fat associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance.
Aucouturier
Julien
J
Laboratory of Exercise Biology, Blaise Pascal University, Bâtiment de Biologie B, Complexe Universitaire des Cézeaux, Aubière Cedex, France.
Meyer
Martine
M
Thivel
David
D
Taillardat
Michel
M
Duché
Pascale
P
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001823:Body Composition; D050218:Body Fat Distribution; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index