Anthropometric and biochemical profiles of black south african women

Abstract

It has been reported that the diet of rural women in most African countries differs considerably from that of their urban counterparts, with the urban diet composed of more refined carbohydrates and fatty food. This study examines anthropometric and biochemical profiles and the association between these parameters in pre-menopausal, post-pubertal black South African women. A representative sample of 500 participants, randomly selected in Mangaung, Bloemfontein in the Free State Province, using township maps obtained from the Bloemfontein Municipality were recruited to participate. Younger women were aged 25-34 years and older women 35-44 years. Anthropometric and biochemical profiles were determined according to standard methods. From the original sample of 500 women, 496 were eligible to participate. Of the younger women 30.1% and of the older women 27.7% were overweight, while 23.3% of younger women and 24% of older women had a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m 2 , indicating obesity. Most women had a waist-hip ratio (WHR) <0.8, indicating gynoid fat distribution. The majority of women from both age groups had a body fat percentage >25% (92.5% and 94% respectively of younger and older women). Of the younger women 6.8% and of the older women 13.8% had triglyceride (TG) levels higher than the reference range. Total cholesterol levels fell within the reference range for 79.8% of the younger women and 71.3% of the older women. Glucose and insulin levels were within reference ranges for most women of both age groups. A significant association was found between insulin sensitivity and BMI and between insulin sensitivity and TG levels in both age groups. No significant association was found between waist circumference and elevated glucose levels in both age groups. A significant difference between insulin sensitivity and WHR was observed in the older group of women. The prevalence of overweight and obesity reported in this population may pose a potential risk for the development of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

Body weight, eating practices and nutritional knowledge amongst university nursing students, Eastern Cape, South Africa

“…However, 96.3% of the participants in the current study were Black persons and their overweight or obesity prevalence and trends very closely reflect national statistics, as well as trends, for the South African Black population >15yrs (27.2% for men; 56.2% for woman), reported by the SADHS 2003; 3 as well as statistics (53.3% overweight or obese) reported for Black woman 25–34yrs in Mangaung, Free State. 29 Only seven participants were underweight and, also in keeping with the findings of the SADHS 3 and other South African studies, 30 five of these were male.…”

Combined Aerobic and Resistance Training Lowers Body Fat Percentage in Rural Black South African Women

“…While it may seem problematic that the present study's concurrent training failed to improve WHR in this sample of rural black college women, it must be noted that at both the baseline and final testing occasions, their WHR were already below 0.8. This finding possibly indicates a gynoid fat distribution, which is similar to other research on black South African women (33,34).…”

“…In Press(In Press):e106598. Further, while the body fat percentage of the control group remained above the norm for this population, the body fat percentage of the COM group decreased to within the normal range following the six-week concurrent training (33,34). The fat loss experienced following the concurrent training is also noteworthy since it is contrary to the findings of small weight losses following exercise when they are not combined with dietary restrictions (35,36).…”