Estimation of Body Fat Percentage in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to calculate the body fat percentage and learn its relationship with body mass index in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
 MATERIALS AND METHOD: the study comprised of 31 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and 28 controls. Body mass index was calculated for each individual by recording the height (in meters) and weight (in Kilograms). Prediction equations given by Deurenberg, Gallagher and Jackson-Pollock were used to calculate body fat percentage.
 RESULTS: Definite correlation between body fat percent and body mass index was found in oral squamous cell carcinoma and controls. Comparisons of body fat percentages between both groups were found to be statistically significant in Gallagher (p = 0.04) and Jackson-Pollock (p = 0.03) equations.
 CONCLUSION: This study suggests that body fat percentage can be a useful indicator for assessing severity of lipolysis due to cachexia in cancer patients. The study can help in evaluating nutritional status during postoperative care of cancer patients.