Normative data of body fat mass and its distribution as assessed by DXA in Indian adult population

Abstract

Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) assessment of body fat mass is precise and highly correlated with under water weighing. In view of ethnic differences, we undertook this study to prepare normative data for body fat mass in apparently healthy adult Indians and correlate it with Body Mass Index (BMI). This cross-sectional population-based study included 2347 subjects (male: 924; female: 1423) aged > 20 yr who participated in a general health examination. They were evaluated for anthropometry and body fat mass by DXA. All subjects were categorized as overweight and obese based on standard BMI criteria. Mean age and BMI were 49.1 ± 18.2 yr and 25.0 ± 4.7 kg/m², respectively. Mean percent total and regional fat (trunk, arm and leg) reached maximum in the age group of 30–40 yr in males and 50–60 yr in females. Females had significantly higher total and regional fat mass compared with males. Fat mass was positively correlated with age (r = 0.224; p < 0.00001) and BMI (r = 0.668; p < 0.00001). Prevalence of overweight and obesity was seen in 2119 (46.1%) and 536 (13.8%), respectively, according to World Health Organization definition and 64.0% and 31.1%, respectively, as per Indian guidelines. Percent Total Body Fat Mass (PTBFM) of 25% in males and 30% in females corresponds to BMI of 22.0 kg/m² with sensitivity of > 80% and specificity of > 70% in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Body fat mass in Indians is higher than that in Western populations for a given age and BMI. PTBFM of 25% in males and 30% in females corresponds to BMI of 22 kg/m² in Indians.