Comparison in maternal body composition between Caucasian Irish and Indian women

Abstract

The use of body mass index (BMI) for the diagnosis of obesity has limitations, especially when comparing ethnic groups with different body proportions. The aim of this prospective study was to compare maternal body composition in early pregnancy between Caucasian Irish and Indian women. A total of 81 Indian women and 81 Irish Caucasian women were matched for age, parity and BMI. Maternal weight and height were measured, and body composition analysed using bioelectrical impedance. The Irish women were taller and weighed more than the Indian women (p < 0.001). At any given BMI, the Indian women had a higher total body fat percentage, visceral fat level and high fat percentage than the Irish women (p = 0.024, 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). Our findings suggest that lower BMI cut-offs should be used for screening for gestational diabetes mellitus in Indian women attending our antenatal services.

Keywords::

• Body composition
• body mass index (BMI)
• ethnicity
• obesity
• pregnancy

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank Dr Jim Stack, Consultant Statistician, for his advice.

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