Ethnic variation in fat and lean body mass and the association with insulin resistance.
BACKGROUND
Body fat distribution varies among different ethnic groups, yet less is known regarding differences in lean mass and how this may affect insulin resistance.


OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to compare total body fat to lean mass ratio (F:LM) in Aboriginal, Chinese, European, and South Asian individuals with differences in insulin resistance.


METHODS
Aboriginal (196), Chinese (222), European (202), and South Asian (208) individuals were recruited across a range of body mass index to participate in this cross-sectional community study.


METHODS
Total body fat, lean mass, and insulin resistance were assessed using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA).


RESULTS
After adjustment for confounders and at a given body fat, South Asian men had less lean mass than Aboriginal [3.42 kg less; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.55-5.29], Chinese (3.01 kg less; 95% CI = 1.33-4.70), and European (3.57 kg less; 95% CI = 1.82-5.33) men, whereas South Asian women had less lean mass than Aboriginal (1.98 kg less; 95% CI = 0.45-3.50), Chinese (2.24 kg less; 95% CI = 0.81-3.68), and European (2.97 kg less; 95% CI = 1.67-4.27) women. In adjusted models, F:LM was higher in South Asian compared with Chinese and European men and higher in South Asian compared with Aboriginal, Chinese, and European women (P < 0.01 for all). Insulin and HOMA were greatest in South Asians after adjustment; however, these differences were no longer apparent when F:LM was considered.


CONCLUSIONS
South Asians have a phenotype of high fat mass and low lean mass, which may account for greater levels of insulin and HOMA compared with other ethnic groups.
Lear
Scott A
SA
Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University Harbor Centre Campus, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6B 5K3. slear@providencehealth.bc.ca
Kohli
Simi
S
Bondy
Gregory P
GP
Tchernof
André
A
Sniderman
Allan D
AD
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000886:Anthropometry; D001210:Asia, Southeastern / Q000208:ethnology; D044466:Asian People; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D002170:Canada; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology*; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D044465:White People
D007328:Insulin