Aging, body composition, and lifestyle: the Fels Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: Changes in body composition in men and women occur with age, but these changes are affected by numerous covariate factors. OBJECTIVE: The study examined patterns of change in body composition and determined the effects of long-term patterns of change in physical activity in older men and women and in menopausal status and estrogen use in women. DESIGN: Serial measures of height, weight, body mass index (BMI), total body fat (BF), percentage BF, and fat-free mass (FFM) from underwater weighing of 102 men and 108 women enrolled in the Fels Longitudinal Study were analyzed. Physical activity levels and menopausal status were included as covariates. RESULTS: There were significant age-related decreases in FFM and height and increases in total BF, percentage BF, weight, and BMI. Physical activity was associated with decreases in total BF, percentage BF, weight, and BMI in men and were associated with increases in FFM and decreases in total BF and percentage BF in women. Postmenopausal women had significantly higher total BF and percentage BF than did pre- and perimenopausal women. The longer the time since menopause the greater were the increases in weight, BMI, total BF, and percentage BF; however, estrogen use attenuated these increases. CONCLUSIONS: Low FFM can be improved by increased physical activity. The effects of an intervention program on body composition can be masked if only body weight or BMI is measured. The effects of physical activity were more profound in postmenopausal than in premenopausal women, and estrogen use had beneficial effects on body composition.     

Fifty-year trends in serial body mass index during adolescence in girls: the Fels Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND: A decline in the age at menarche was recently reported for US girls. Although it is possible that this recent drop stems from the concurrent increase in childhood obesity, few longitudinal studies of growth and development have been undertaken to specifically address the temporal relation between growth, adiposity, and the age at menarche. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to simultaneously examine the effects of birth cohort (secular trend) and rate of maturation (age at menarche) on the timing and pattern of increases in body mass index (BMI) during adolescence in girls. DESIGN: We applied mixed-effects polynomial models to serial BMI data, spanning from 6 y before menarche to 6 y after menarche, obtained from 211 girls enrolled in the Fels Longitudinal Study. We examined the effects of birth cohort (defined as girls born 1929-1946, 1947-1964, and 1965-1983) and age at menarche (defined as < or =11.9 y, 12.0-13.1 y, and > or =13.2 y) on the magnitude and velocity of BMI during adolescence. RESULTS: BMI and BMI velocity in girls born after 1965 were significantly greater than those of girls of earlier birth cohorts, despite stability in the mean age at menarche. Although girls with early menarche tended to have significantly higher BMIs than did girls with average or later menarche, these differences did not emerge until after menarche. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that increases in relative weight are a consequence, rather than a determinant, of the age at menarche and that secular changes in BMI and in the mean age at menarche could be independent phenomena.     

County-level housing affordability in relation to risk factors for cardiovascular disease among middle-aged adults: The National Longitudinal Survey of Youths 1979

BackgroundHousing is a fundamental social determinant of health yet housing affordability has diminished over much of the twenty-first century. Research on housing affordability as a determinant of health is limited, but studies to date have shown correlations with mental health. However, few studies have examined the relationship between housing affordability and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among Americans.MethodsUsing a nationally-representative sample of middle-aged adults from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youths 1979 (NLSY79) and exploiting quasi-experimental variation before and after the Great Recession, we estimated the associations between the change in median county-level percentage of household income spent on housing (rent/mortgage) between 2000 and 2008 and individual-level risks of incident hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and depression from 2008 to 2014. We employed conditional fixed effects logistic regression models to reduce bias due to time-invariant confounding.ResultsEach percentage point increase in county-level median percentage of household income spent on housing was associated with a 22% increase in the odds of incident hypertension (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.42; p = 0.01), a 37% increased odds of obesity (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.00–1.87; p = 0.049), and a 15% increased odds of depression (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.01–1.31; p = 0.03), controlling for individual- and area-level factors. These associations were stronger among renters than homeowners, and among men compared to women.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that lower levels of housing affordability contribute to worse risk profiles for cardiovascular disease. Policies that make housing more affordable may help to reduce the population burden of cardiovascular disease.     

Longitudinal analyses among overweight, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular risk factors in children

OBJECTIVE: It has been questioned whether insulin resistance or obesity is the central abnormality contributing to the cardiovascular risk factors dyslipidemia and hypertension in obesity. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: We studied weight status [SD score (SDS)-BMI], lipids (triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein- and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol), blood pressure, and insulin resistance index [as homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) model] over a 1-year period in 229 obese white children (median age 12 years). RESULTS: Any degree of decrease in HOMA was associated with significant decreases in triglycerides (p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), whereas the children with different changes in HOMA did not differ significantly in their weight changes. Only the children in the highest quartile of weight reduction (decrease in SDS-BMI > 0.5) demonstrated a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), and triglycerides (p = 0.012), and an increase in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p = 0.023), whereas with a lower degree of weight loss, there were no significant changes in cardiovascular risk factors. In contrast with a lower degree of weight loss, a reduction of >0.5 SDS-BMI was associated with a significant decrease in HOMA (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Because blood pressure and triglycerides decreased with any degree of decrease in HOMA, independently of changes in weight status, these findings support the hypothesis that insulin resistance is the central abnormality contributing to these cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, improving insulin resistance seems more important than reducing overweight to prevent or treat hypertension and dyslipidemia in obese children.     

超重或单纯性肥胖儿童人体质量指数与心血管疾病风险因子的相关性研究

目的探讨超重或单纯性肥胖儿童人体质量指数(BMI)与心血管疾病风险因子的相关性。 方法选择2013年3月至2015年1月,在自贡市第一人民医院儿科初次就诊即诊断为超重或单纯性肥胖的62例儿童纳入观察组,以及同期进行健康体检的46例正常体重儿童纳入对照组。统计学比较两组儿童一般临床指标[年龄、人体质量指数(BMI)、腰围、收缩压、舒张压],脂代谢指标[动脉粥样硬化指数(AI)、总胆固醇(TC)、高密度脂蛋白(HDL)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL)、三酰甘油(TG)],以及糖代谢指标[胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)、口服葡萄糖耐量试验2小时血糖(OGTT GLU2h)、空腹血糖、空腹胰岛素]差异;并对观察组儿童BMI与上述9项心血管疾病风险因子(脂代谢和糖代谢指标)进行相关性分析。两组儿童年龄及性别构成比比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。所有参与本次研究的儿童,均由其监护人签署知情同意书,并获得自贡市第一人民医院伦理委员会同意。 结果①观察组儿童一般临床指标BMI[(31.8±2.3) kg/m²]、腰围[(86.7±12.3) cm]及收缩压[(128.0±11.2) mmHg(1 mmHg＝0.133 kPa)]均较对照组[(19.4±0.8) kg/m²、(61.1±8.0) cm、(102.0±12.9) mmHg]高,且差异有统计学意义(t＝－38.171、－12.770、－2.120,P<0.05)。②观察组儿童脂代谢指标AI(4.0±0.8)及TC、LDL、TG浓度[(4.9±0.6) mmol/L、(3.07±0.23) mmol/L、(1.85±0.13) mmol/L]均较对照组高[(1.0±0.4)、(4.0±0.4) mmol/L、(1.46±0.13) mmol/L、(0.80±0.21) mmol/L],而HDL浓度[(0.89±0.09) mmol/L]则较对照组[(2.14±0.49) mmol/L]低,且差异均有统计学意义(t＝－35.96、－7.66、－51.29、－22.03、36.62,P<0.01)。③观察组儿童糖代谢指标HOMA-IR(12.5±1.3)及OGTT GLU2h、空腹血糖、空腹胰岛素浓度[(7.5±0.9) mmol/L、(5.97±0.22) mmol/L、(47.0±4.2) pmol/L]均较对照组高[(2.8±0.3)、(4.0±0.4) mmol/L、(4.47±0.13) mmol/L、(14.0±1.4) pmol/L],且差异均有统计学意义(t＝－38.64、－25.44、－43.65、－57.31,P<0.01)。④观察组儿童BMI与AI、TC、LDL、TG、HOMA-IR、OGTT GLU2h、空腹血糖及空腹胰岛素之间呈正相关关系(r＝0.964、0.707、0.960、0.948、0.974、0.969、0.967、0.965,P<0.001);BMI与HDL间呈负相关关系(r＝－0.939,P<0.001)。 结论与正常体重儿童比较,超重或单纯性肥胖儿童更易罹患心血管疾病,应加强对超重或单纯性肥胖儿童的合理饮食指导,采取健康生活方式,预防心血管疾病发生。     

Effects of a reduced-glycemic-load diet on body weight, body composition, and cardiovascular disease risk markers in overweight and obese adults

BACKGROUND: Lowering the dietary glycemic load and increasing protein intake may be advantageous for weight management. OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate the effects of an ad libitum reduced-glycemic-load (RGL) diet on body weight, body composition, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers in overweight and obese adults during an initial weight-loss phase (12 wk) and a weight-loss maintenance phase (weeks 24-36). DESIGN: Subjects were assigned to RGL (n = 43) or low-fat, portion-controlled (control; n = 43) diet groups. The RGL group was instructed to eat until satisfied, maintaining a low carbohydrate intake during weeks 0-2 and adding low-glycemic-index carbohydrate thereafter. Control subjects were instructed to reduce fat intake and decrease portion sizes, with a targeted energy deficit of 500 to 800 kcal/d. RESULTS: The RGL group had lost significantly more weight than did the control group at week 12 (-4.9 and -2.5 kg, respectively; P = 0.002), but the 2 groups did not differ significantly at week 36 (-4.5 and -2.6 kg, respectively; P = 0.085). Changes in fat mass differed between the groups at week 12 (-1.9 and -0.9 kg, respectively; P = 0.016) but not at week 36 (-2.0 and -1.3 kg, respectively; P = 0.333). At the end of the study, no differences were found in responses for CVD risk markers except a larger mean change in HDL cholesterol in the RGL group than in the control group (3.8 and 1.9 mg/dL, respectively; P = 0.037). CONCLUSION: These findings provide evidence that an ad libitum RGL diet is a reasonable alternative to a low-fat, portion-controlled eating plan for weight management.     

Combining fish-oil supplements with regular aerobic exercise improves body composition and cardiovascular disease risk factors

BACKGROUND: Regular exercise and consuming long-chain n-3 fatty acids (FAs) from fish or fish oil can independently improve cardiovascular and metabolic health, but combining these lifestyle modifications may be more effective than either treatment alone. OBJECTIVE: We examined the individual and combined effects of n-3 FA supplements and regular exercise on body composition and cardiovascular health. DESIGN: Overweight volunteers [body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)): >25] with high blood pressure, cholesterol, or triacylglycerols were randomly assigned to one of the following interventions: fish oil (FO), FO and exercise (FOX), sunflower oil (SO; control), or SO and exercise (SOX). Subjects consumed 6 g tuna FO/d ( approximately 1.9 g n-3 FA) or 6 g SO/d. The exercise groups walked 3 d/wk for 45 min at 75% age-predicted maximal heart rate. Plasma lipids, blood pressure, and arterial function were assessed at 0, 6, and 12 wk. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at 0 and 12 wk only. RESULTS: FO supplementation lowered triacylglycerols, increased HDL cholesterol, and improved endothelium-dependent arterial vasodilation (P<0.05). Exercise improved arterial compliance (P<0.05). Both fish oil and exercise independently reduced body fat (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: FO supplements and regular exercise both reduce body fat and improve cardiovascular and metabolic health. Increasing intake of n-3 FAs could be a useful adjunct to exercise programs aimed at improving body composition and decreasing cardiovascular disease risk.     

居民社会经济状况与心血管病危险因素的关系

目的 探讨居民社会经济状况(Socioeconomic Status，SES)和心血管病危险因素之间的关系，为干预的重点人群的确定提供科学依据。方法 利用1997年及1998年广东省糖尿病流行病学调查资料分析社会经济状况和心血管病危险因素之间的关系。结果 男性的社会经济状况指标优于女性。调整年龄、职业性体力活动、休闲体力活动和饮酒后，SES对心血管病危险因素仍有影响，其中受教育程度和居住地区的影响较大，其关联在男女不同。结论 社会经济状况是心血管病危险因素的重要影响因子，对社会经济状况好的女性施加干预可能会取得更好的效果。     

The relation of physical activity to cardiovascular disease risk factors in Mauritians. Mauritius Noncommunicable Disease Study Group

The authors investigated the relation between physical activity and cardiovascular disease risk factors in a random sample of 4,658 Asian Indian, Creole, and Chinese adults aged 25-74 years from the island nation of Mauritius. Subjects known to have diabetes were excluded from analyses. Subjects were divided into "active" and "inactive" groups on the basis of a combined leisure and occupational physical activity score determined at interview (April 1987). Two-hour plasma glucose concentration and fasting and 2-hour serum insulin concentrations were significantly lower and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was significantly higher in active subjects of both sexes. Plasma uric acid and fasting triglyceride levels were also lower among active subjects, but significantly so only in females. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, body mass index (weight (kg)/height (m)2), and waist:hip ratio varied little between the two activity groups. In multiple linear regression analyses, physical activity made an independent negative contribution to the models for 2-hour glucose and insulin in both males and females, as well as for fasting insulin in males. When glucose and insulin were not included, physical activity also made an independent contribution to the models for plasma triglycerides (inversely) in females and HDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol as a proportion of total cholesterol (positively) in males. The authors have demonstrated improved cardiovascular disease profiles associated with physical activity in Mauritians. The data suggest that much of the effect is modulated via an effect on insulin-glucose metabolism. Promotion of exercise should become an important strategy in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and glucose intolerance in this population.     

Effects of an 8-week weight-loss program on cardiovascular disease risk factors and regional body composition

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of weight loss on multiple cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. DESIGN: Overweight women (n = 12; mean 44.2% fat) and men (n = 10; mean 30.7% fat) participated in an 8 week weight-loss program that included dietary, exercise, multi-vitamin/mineral supplementation, and behavior modification components. Measurement of total and regional body composition assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), circumferences and blood sampling for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols, homocysteine, insulin and leptin were performed before and after the weight loss intervention. RESULTS: Subjects increased their physical activity and decreased their energy intake, resulting in a mean decrease in body mass of - 4.3 +/- 3.4 kg in women and -4.7 +/- 3.1 kg in men. Fat accounted for 88 and 58% of the decrease in body mass in men and women, respectively. Proportionally, men lost significantly more fat mass from the trunk region compared to women. Serum total and LDL cholesterol were significantly decreased in men (-11 and -14%, respectively) but not women (-3 and -3%, respectively) and there were no changes in HDL cholesterol and triacylglycerols. Serum leptin was significantly decreased (-36%) and highly correlated to fat mass (r= 0.839). There were no changes in serum insulin and plasma homocysteine. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that short-term weight loss resulting from reducing percentage energy from fat, increasing physical activity and vitamin/mineral supplements including folic acid has a favorable effect on regional body composition and total and LDL cholesterol with minimal effects on HDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols, homocysteine and insulin and the effects are greater in men compared to women. Supplementation with folic acid or emphasis on folic acid-rich foods may be an important component of a weight loss program to prevent increases in homocysteine.     

The Pawtucket Heart Health Program: community changes in cardiovascular risk factors and projected disease risk.

OBJECTIVES. Whether community-wide education changed cardiovascular risk factors and disease risk in Pawtucket, RI, relative to a comparison community was assessed. METHODS. Random-sample, cross-sectional surveys were done of people aged 18 through 64 years at baseline, during, and after education. Baseline cohorts were reexamined. Pawtucket citizens of all ages participated in multilevel education, screening, and counseling programs. RESULTS. The downward trend in smoking was slightly greater in the comparison city. Small, insignificant differences favored Pawtucket in blood cholesterol and blood pressure. In the cross-sectional surveys, body mass index increased significantly in the comparison community; a similar change was not seen in cohort surveys. Projected cardiovascular disease rates were significantly (16%) less in Pawtucket during the education program. This difference lessened to 8% posteducation. CONCLUSIONS. The hypothesis that projected cardiovascular disease risk can be altered by community-based education gains limited support from these data. Achieving cardiovascular risk reduction at the community level was feasible, but maintaining statistically significant differences between cities was not. Accelerating risk factor changes will likely require a sustained community effort with reinforcement from state, regional, and national policies and programs.     

The association between educational status and risk factors related to cardiovascular disease in healthy individuals: The ATTICA study

PURPOSE: The object of this work was to study the associations between education status and several cardiovascular risk factors in 2271 randomly selected male and female adults. METHODS: The formal education level was used as proxy for socio-economic status; the distribution of the risk factors and the prevalence of risk conditions were analyzed by the different levels of education-"low", "medium", and "high." The association between education level and the investigated measurements was tested by the application of multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty (19.8%) males and 292 (25.3%) females were classified as "low", 471 (42.4%) males and 476 (41.3%) females as "medium", and 421 (37.8%) males and 386 (33.4%) females as "high" educated. Compared with those with "low" education, individuals who reported "high" education had 8% lower systolic (p < 0.001) and 4% lower diastolic (p < 0.001) blood pressure levels, 6% lower blood glucose levels (p < 0.001), 7% lower serum total cholesterol (p < 0.001), 6% higher HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.001), 22% lower lipoprotein-a levels (p < 0.001), 11% lower apoliprotein-B levels (p < 0.001), 15% lower triglycerides (p < 0.001), 45% lower hs-CRP (p < 0.001), 8% lower fibrinogen levels (p < 0.01), and 7% lower white blood cell count (p < 0.001). The associations regarding inflammation markers remained statistically significant even after adjustment for several potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that in primary prevention it is important to focus our attention, especially, on people with low education, since they seem to be rather unprotected against the prevalence of several cardiovascular risk factors.     

Weight loss, body composition and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in obese children: long-term effects of two treatment strategies.

Two treatment strategies were compared to determine their effects on weight loss, body composition and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in 32 obese children (relative weight > 120%) aged 6-15 years. Modes of therapy included individual (Group I) or group treatment (Group II). The children were treated for 1 year and observed during the second year. Relative body weight decreased by 16.6% in Group I (p < 0.001) and by 15.8% (p < 0.01) in Group II during the first year; in both groups the lower relative body weight was maintained during the year of observation. No changes were observed in linear growth or lean body mass. Weight reduction was accompanied by increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, increased ratio of HDL-C to total cholesterol, and reduced triglyceride concentrations in both groups. Fasting plasma insulin concentrations decreased significantly in Group I. In conclusion, intensive treatment produced significant weight loss, improved serum lipid profile and reduced hyperinsulinemia. These changes, if sustained, may reduce the risk of CVD later in life.     

Weight loss,body composition and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in obese children: long-term effects of two treatment strategies.

Two treatment strategies were compared to determine their effects on weight loss, body composition and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in 32 obese children (relative weight > 120%) aged 6-15 years. Modes of therapy included individual (Group I) or group treatment (Group II). The children were treated for 1 year and observed during the second year. Relative body weight decreased by 16.6% in Group I (p < 0.001) and by 15.8% (p < 0.01) in Group II during the first year; in both groups the lower relative body weight was maintained during the year of observation. No changes were observed in linear growth or lean body mass. Weight reduction was accompanied by increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, increased ratio of HDL-C to total cholesterol, and reduced triglyceride concentrations in both groups. Fasting plasma insulin concentrations decreased significantly in Group I. In conclusion, intensive treatment produced significant weight loss, improved serum lipid profile and reduced hyperinsulinemia. These changes, if sustained, may reduce the risk of CVD later in life.     

Obesity indices in relation to cardiovascular disease risk factors among young adult female students

The objective of the present study was to compare the percentage of body fat (%BF), BMI, and central fat distribution anthropometric measures as indices of obesity and to assess the respective associations with cardiovascular risk factors in young female students. Subjects were 220 healthy Greek female students. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to estimate %BF, anthropometric measurements were obtained and blood samples were analysed for CVD risk factors. Results showed that 48.6 % of students had increased adiposity, while a considerable proportion was characterised by central fat distribution irrespective of the anthropometric index used. The proportion of subjects with at least one metabolic risk factor present was 60.4 %. Although %BF was not associated with any of the CVD risk factors, waist circumference, waist:hip ratio and waist:height ratio were all associated with CVD risk factors. Higher levels of these anthropometric variables demonstrated higher prevalence of CVD risk factors. The lack of association between %BF and CVD risk factors could be attributed to the fact that females with undesirable adiposity had a tendency for the gynaecoid type of obesity. In contrast, the present results suggest that central body fat distribution in young women may reflect increased risk due to high visceral and particularly intra-abdominal fat levels. Recent epidemiological data from Greece show a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in young adults. Therefore, assessing the risk for the presence of CVD risk factors is of particular importance. Central obesity anthropometric indices seem to be valuable screening tools for young women.     

Cheese consumption in relation to cardiovascular risk factors among Iranian adults- IHHP Study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

It is expected that dairy products such as cheeses, which are the main source of cholesterol and saturated fat, may lead to the development or increase the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases; however, the results of different studies are inconsistent. This study was conducted to assess the association between cheese consumption and cardiovascular risk factors in an Iranian adult population.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Information from the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP) was used for this cross-sectional study with a total of 1,752 participants (782 men and 970 women). Weight, height, waist and hip circumference measurement, as well as fasting blood samples were gathered and biochemical assessments were done. To evaluate the dietary intakes of participants a validated food frequency questionnaire, consists of 49 items, was completed by expert technicians. Consumption of cheese was classified as less than 7 times per week and 7-14 times per week.

RESULTS

Higher consumption of cheese was associated with higher C-Reactive Protein (CRP), apolipoprotein A and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level but not with fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG) and apolipoprotein B. Higher consumption of cheese was positively associated with consumption of liquid and solid oil, grain, pulses, fruit, vegetable, meat and dairy, and negatively associated with Global Dietary Index. After control for other potential confounders the association between cheese intake and metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.81; 96%CI: 0.71-0.94), low HDL-C level (OR: 0.87; 96%CI: 0.79-0.96) and dyslipidemia (OR: 0.88; 96%CI: 0.79-0.98) became negatively significant.

CONCLUSION

This study found an inverse association between the frequency of cheese intake and cardiovascular risk factors; however, further prospective studies are required to confirm the present results and to illustrate its mechanisms.     

Relationship between body composition changes and changes in physical function and metabolic risk factors in aging

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Several body composition changes are known to occur with aging. The purpose of this review is to evaluate recent literature examining body composition changes with aging and how these relate to changes in physical function and metabolic risk. RECENT FINDINGS: Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have observed increases in fat mass and decreases in muscle mass or lean tissue mass in older adults, often in the absence of differences or changes in body weight. Cross-sectional studies have also reported increases in intramyocellular lipid and liver fat in older versus younger adults and related changes in body composition with changes in physical function and metabolic risk, but few longitudinal data are available. Furthermore, most longitudinal studies lack precise methods of assessing body fat distribution and muscle and organ quality, resulting in a lack of detailed and precise information on body composition changes with aging and their relationship to health. SUMMARY: Research to date has outlined a need for more detailed body composition measurements of aging adults. Absence of change in a total body compartment may mask a change in subcompartments that may impact health. Furthermore, intervention studies to determine ways to maintain body composition are consistent with healthy living throughout the aging process.