Correlation of Fat Mass Index and Fat-Free Mass Index with percentage body fat and their association with hypertension among urban South Indian adult men and women

Abstract

Background: The assessment of Fat Mass and Fat-Free Mass indices provides valuable information about changes in body composition.

Aim: To identify cut-off points for Fat Mass Index (FMI) to predict an upper limit of percentage body fat of men (25%) and women (30%) for defining obesity and its association with hypertension.

Subjects and methods: A total of 436 men and 596 women were included in the study. Fat mass was calculated using skin-fold measurements. FMI cut-off points to predict an upper limit of percentage body fat of 25% (men) and 30% (women) for defining obesity were assessed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results: ROC curve analysis indicated that the level of FMI was 6.59 kg/m² in men and 6.64 kg/m² in women at 25% and 30% body fat, respectively. Risk estimation for hypertension with FMI indicated high risk of hypertension in men (OR: 3.4, CI: 2.1–5.5) as well as in women (OR: 5.3, CI: 2.3–12.4).

Conclusion: The level of FMI was 6.6 kg/m² in men and women predicted at upper limits of 25% and 30% body fat, respectively, for defining obesity.

Keywords::

• Fat mass index
• fat-free mass index
• percentage body fat
• BMI
• urban population

Acknowledgements

This research work was funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research, Department of Health Research, Government of India, New Delhi. We are thankful to Dr B. Sesikeran, Director, for his constant encouragement during the study. The authors extend their thanks to Dr Kalpagam Polasa, Sr. Dy. Director, Dr B. Dinesh Kumar, Asst Director and Mrs S. A. Brinda, Technician, for their cooperation and Laboratory assistance in estimation of Bio-chemical parameters. Thanks are due to Mr K. Nageswara Rao, Mr K. Sree Ramakrishna and Mrs Sujeevana for their help in data collection. The authors are also thankful to all the subjects who participated in the study.

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.