Age group and gender-wise comparison of obesity indices in subjects of Varanasi

Abstract

Objectives: Deposition of body fat may differ in different age groups and gender-wise differences are also likely. The present study aims to evaluate age- and gender-wise differences in obesity parameters in healthy subjects of both genders of Varanasi. Materials and Methods: Anthropometric measurements were performed in 346 subjects reported in health check-up camp. Parameters were compared between each age group for males and females separately as well as gender-wise comparison for each age group was also performed. Regression analysis was performed to observe the relationship of age with obesity parameters and body mass index (BMI) with other parameters of obesity. Results: Both males and females had central obesity with males having higher waist circumference (WC) than females (P = 0.002) while females had higher body fat (fat %) (P = 0.000). Obesity indices of males of age group of 18–29 years were lesser as compared to other age groups. Obesity indices of female subjects were comparable in 18–39 years of age. Age group of 30–39 and 50–59 years males had higher WC than females (P = 0.002, 0.016, respectively) while fat % of females in each age group were significantly higher than males of corresponding age groups. Positive correlation of age with obesity parameters and BMI with WC and fat % was observed. Conclusion: Gender-wise differences in BMI, WC, WHtR and fat % tend to increase with age, indicative of increase in adiposity and central obesity with progressing age. Males in general have higher WC than females but lesser fat %. Gender differences in obesity may show age group specific variations. Findings of the study may be useful for identifying age specific distribution of obesity indices in males and females.

Dietary habits and selected noncommunicable disease risk factors among middle-aged adults in rural Kerala

“…23 Apart from that, the elderly age group is found to be more obese compared to the younger age group, which is similar to what Sarvottam et al found through a study conducted in Varanasi in which age progression was associated with increased adiposity. 24 Our study findings stress the need for developing specific educational programmes to improve knowledge regarding dietary control, the practice of a wholesome regimen, and its importance in the control of NCDs like hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity.…”

Sex-Related Differential Prevalence of Central Obesity in Diabetes Mellitus: A Multi-centred Survey in North-Central Nigeria

“…Furthermore, the old dictum that portrayed the lower prevalence of central obesity in females has been linked to the effect of endogenous oestrogen on fat distribution predominantly around the hips, thighs, and gluteus. [3][4][5] [21] It can, therefore, be hypothesised that the POPs may interfere with and diminish the metabolic benefits of endogenous oestrogens in women, predisposing them to central obesity. More studies will be required to ascertain this hypothesis.…”

“…[3] It was previously generally understood that the prevalence of central obesity tended to be higher among men than women, leading to such coinages as "android obesity", referring to central obesity, and "gynoid obesity", referring to predominant fat distribution around the thighs, hips, and gluteus which is more common in women. [3][4][5] This specific partitioning of adipose tissue in women has been linked to the actions of oestrogen, which also protects them from excessive visceral and ectopic fat accumulation. [3] Some local reports have reported the male preponderance of central obesity.…”

“…[3] Some local reports have reported the male preponderance of central obesity. [4][5][6] However, there has been a gradual trend of reports demonstrating a higher prevalence of central obesity among women. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] In a systematic review and meta-analysis by Bashir et al, [8] 39% of adults, about 46.8 million in Nigeria, are estimated to be centrally obese.…”