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DIFFERENCES IN SEGMENTAL FAT ACCUMULATION BY SEX AND ETHNICITY: AN INTERNATIONAL APPROACH

Abstract

J. A. Wong, S. P. Shultz

Seattle University, Seattle, WA

Total excess fat on the body impacts obesity-related co-morbidity risk; however, the location of fat stores affects the severity of these health risks. While body composition may differ across sex and ethnicity, there has been little research on the relationship between these factors and fat accumulation patterns. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine segmental fat accumulation patterns by sex and ethnicity using international datasets. Methods: An amalgamated dataset of DXA-measured variables compiled segmental mass for bone mineral content, lean mass, and fat mass for each participant; percentage of segment fat (PSF) was calculated. A total of 30,587 adults (N=16,490 females) from 13 datasets were included in the study. An 8 (ethnicity) x 3 (segment) ANOVA was used to examine differences in regional fat mass and PSF for females; Arab datasets were female-only so a 7 (ethnicity) x 3 (segment) ANOVA compared the same variables in males. Results: All populations followed the same segmental fat mass accumulation in the ascending order (armsConclusion: Greater absolute and relative fat accumulation in the trunk could place European Caucasian females and most males (excluding Mexican and Black males) at a higher risk of visceral fat deposition and associated co-morbidities. Greater relative fat accumulation in the appendages may increase difficulty with activities that require moving mass.

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