Quantitative assessment of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue in the abdominal region: comparison of anthropometry and local bioelectrical impedance analysis with computed tomography

Purpose of the study. To assess the relationship between anthropometric parameters and local bioimpedance analysis data and the cross-sectional areas of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue measured by computed tomography.

Patients and methods. Forty-seven volunteers (31 women and 16 men) aged 20–77 years were examined. The assessment included anthropometry, bioimpedance analysis of body composition with measurement of resistance and reactance in “subcutaneous” and “visceral” leads, and abdominal CT with calculation of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue areas at the L4 level.

Results. Sex-related differences were found in body fat percentage and body height. Significant positive correlations were identified between most of the studied parameters. An almost linear relationship with CT-measured subcutaneous fat area was observed for fat mass, R50sc, sagittal abdominal diameter, waist circumference, and body weight (r = 0.898–0.967). Visceral fat showed the strongest relationships with waist circumference, sagittal abdominal diameter, R50sc, and body weight. Parameters obtained from the “visceral” lead showed no significant correlations with most variables, except for R50sc.

Conclusion. Local bioimpedance analysis and anthropometry are consistent with CT assessment of abdominal fat. CT-measured subcutaneous adipose tissue area correlates well with fat mass determined by bioimpedance analysis. Waist circumference, sagittal abdominal diameter, and R50sc are the most informative parameters for assessing visceral fat. The method may be used for screening and monitoring abdominal obesity.

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