This study sought to determine whether visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and/or its anthropometric surrogates could significantly predict health-related variables (HRV) in overweight Caucasian (CC) (n = 36) and African-American (AA) (n = 30) women. With the use of magnetic resonance imaging, findings showed significantly higher volume and area of VAT (P < 0.0001 for both) as well as higher triacylglycerol (P = 0.009) in CC compared with AA women. Furthermore, VAT volume, race, and VAT volume x race interaction could significantly predict triacylglycerol (P = 0.0094), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.0057), insulin (P = 0.0002), and insulin resistance (P < 0. 0001). Additionally, the VAT volume x race interaction for insulin (P = 0.040) and insulin resistance (P = 0.003) was significant. In a separate analysis, waist circumference and race predicted the identical variables. Our results support the use of volume or area of VAT in predicting HRV in CC women; however, its use in AA women appears limited. In contrast, waist circumference can provide a suitable VAT alternative for both CC and AA women; however, VAT clearly represents the more powerful predictor.

The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is one of the most commonly used anthropometric measures to indicate a central obesity pattern and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in normal-weight women. Although the American Heart Association has reported that a WHR >0.80 be used to indicate increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women, the present study assessed the WHR above which is seen elevations in cardiovascular disease risk factors in a sample of overweight women. Using data from 240 women aged 27.5-47.5 y enrolled in a university weight-loss program, we determined WHR quartiles: <0.80, 0.80 to <0.84, 0.84 to <0.90, and > or =0.90. Subjects were placed into high-risk categories for cardiovascular disease on the basis of age- and population-defined norms. Women had an increased likelihood of elevated VLDL cholesterol, triacylglycerol, diastolic blood pressure, and composite risk (ie, having > or =4 cardiovascular disease risk factors) and an increased risk of having low concentrations of HDL at a WHR > or =0.90. All aforementioned variables had a significant odds ratio at a WHR > or =20.90 after adjustment for smoking, whereas elevated VLDL, triacylglycerol, and diastolic blood pressure were observed at this WHR after adjustment for a body mass index (in kg/m2) < or > or =35. Only 2 variables, VLDL and triacylglycerol, had a significant odds ratio at a WHR <0.90 before and after adjustment for BMI and smoking. These data suggest an upward shift in the critical threshold for WHR to > or =0.90, at which point there was an elevation in cardiovascular disease risk factors in already overweight women. This trend persisted regardless of whether the women smoked or whether their body mass index was < or > or =35.

No abstract

BACKGROUND Over the past few decades, a growing trend of overweight and obesity has emerged among the pediatric population. This is a cause of significant concern as these are significantly correlated to other negative oral and systemic health outcomes over time. Although measurement of body mass index (BMI) is common among pediatric physicians and primary care providers, few studies have explored the feasibility of BMI measurement and analysis from pediatric dental providers. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to compile and analyze pediatric BMI measurements taken from a pediatric dental school patient population. METHODS This study was a retrospective analysis of previously collected data of pediatric patients between 2012 and 2019 (N=451), which was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Descriptive statistics and trend analysis were compiled to determine the trends in pediatric BMI over time. RESULTS Nearly equal percentages of females and males were represented in the study (P=0.432), with the overwhelming majority identified as racial/ethnic minorities (84.5%), P=0.0075. These data revealed that pediatric BMI increased significantly from 25.6 in 2012 to 31.3 in 2018 (22.1%), P=0.031. No significant differences between males and females were observed (P=0.4824) or between minority and non-minority patients (P=0.8288). CONCLUSIONS This study provides significant novel temporal information regarding pediatric BMI among this low-income, minority patient population and highlights the need for expanding the dental school (and pediatric dental residency) curriculum to include more topics related to measuring and tracking overweight and obese children and the most appropriate methods for use in the pediatric dental office.

No abstract