Body Fat Distribution and Total Body Fat as Risk Factors for Microalbuminuria in the Obese

Abstract

Background/Aim: Despite evidence linking type of obesity with subsequent organ malfunction, such a link with renal malfunction has not been widely researched. The aim of this study was to investigate percentage of total body fat (%TBF), and body fat distribution in relation to the renal function in overweight/obese subjects. Methods: Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), TBF (by bioelectric impedance), and albumin excretion rate (AER) were determined in 77 subjects: 48 overweight/obese (BMI ≧27.8 for men and ≧27.3 for women) and 29 controls (BMI <27.8 for men and <27.3 for women). Obese subjects were subdivided into those (n = 33) with central fat distribution (WHR ≧0.81 for women and ≧0.92 for men) and those (n = 15) with peripheral fat distribution (WHR <0.81 for women and <0.92 for men). Results: Obesity, irrespective of type, was significantly related to increased AER. Furthermore, in subjects who did not differ in %TBF, the age-adjusted relative risk of abnormal AER was 18 times greater in centrally obese subjects as compared with controls, while only four times greater in peripherally obese subjects. Conclusion: A significant difference in risk of renal malfunction was observed in individuals having the same %TBF, but differing in the distribution of this fat, with a central fat pattern being the greater risk.

Dosagem de microalbuminúria em hipertensos e em pacientes portadores de doença coronariana

“…When hypertension was associated with obesity, the prevalence reached up to 19% 18 . In another study with obese or overweight individuals, central fat distribution implied an 18-fold higher risk of microalbuminuria in relation to lean individual, whereas among obese individuals with peripheral fat distribution, the risk was 4-fold higher 19 . A Brazilian study demonstrated a trend to borderline levels of nocturnal microalbuminuria, which was higher in normotensive obese females with central fat distribution 20 .…”

Filtração glomerular e fatores associados em hipertensos atendidos na atenção básica

“…The consequence of abdominal adiposity in relation to kidney function impairment has been little documented and it is a noteworthy subject, considering its frequent association with hypertension and diabetes, which are the main causes of CKD in the world. Some studies have shown an association between the central distribution of fat, measured by the WHR, with hypertension 14,27 , microalbuminuria 28 and CKD 29 .…”

Risk factors for coronary heart disease in two similar Indian population groups, one residing in India, and the other in Sydney, Australia

“…BMI and %TBF were highly correlated (r 2 ¼0.5 for men, and r 2 ¼0.45 for women). Since no national figures are available for % TBF in Australia, the mean % TBF of this group was compared to that of a group of Caucasians of similar age and BMI (determined in our laboratory using the same methodology (Mulyadi et al, 2001). The mean values of % TBF for this group was 18.0 for men and 31.8 for women.…”