Visceral Fat Cut-off Points for a Sample of Egyptian Adults

Abstract

Objective: To determine appropriate visceral fat cut-off values using ultrasound (USVF); for obesity according to existing waist circumference (WC), waist/hip ratio (WHR) and BMI cut-off levels.Methods: 998 Egyptian adults, aged 25-55 years, were studied in a cross-sectional survey for evaluation of "Visceral and Central Obesity as an Early Estimator for Obesity Health Risk". Results:Using WC as standard for classification of central obesity, cut-off points of USVF were found to be 6.5 cm for men and 5 cm for women; using ROC analysis; with 76 % sensitivity, 83% specificity, 1.06 PPV/NPV, and 81% accuracy for men, and with 77 % sensitivity, 76% specificity, 0.99 PPV/NPV, and 76% accuracy for women. Same cut-off points of USVF were detected using BMI as standard; with 71 % sensitivity, 77% specificity, 1.04 PPV/NPV, and 75% accuracy for men, and 74% sensitivity, 79% specificity, 1.03 PPV/NPV, and 77% accuracy for women. Even by using WHR as standard, these cut-offs increased 0.5 cm only for both men and women (7 and 5.5 cm respectively). Conclusion:The best cut-off points of visceral fat; using US in Egyptian adults; is 6.5 cm for men and 5 cm for women.

The Relation between Visceral and Subcutaneous Fat to Bone Mass among Egyptian Children and Adolescents

“…In both children and adolescents, fat deposition; either visceral or subcutaneous; is related to the development of some diseases including; dyslipidemias, high blood pressure, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors [8,9]. However, little is known regarding the relation between the distribution of adipose tissue; in terms of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue compartments; and bone fragility [10].…”

Body composition and functional assessment of nutritional status in adults: a narrative review of imaging, impedance, strength and functional techniques

“…Even though conversion factors are being developed, this currently limits the usefulness of echo intensity reference values. Furthermore, it would appear that there is a lack of universally accepted cut-offs for intra-abdominal fat thicknesses, with different cut-offs proposed for various risks (96)(97)(98) . Therefore, further work is required to validate USS measurements and to develop universally agreed reference data, which is cognisant of age, sex and ethnicity.…”