Body composition and isokinetic strength of professional Sumo wrestlers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the profiles of body composition and force generation capability in professional Sumo wrestlers. The subjects were 23 professional Sumo wrestlers [mean age 22.0 (SEM 1.2) years] including those ranked in the lower- (Jonokuchi, n?=?10), middle- (Sandanme, n?=?8) and higher-division (Makuuchi, n?=?5), 22 weight-classified athletes [5 judo athletes, 5 wrestlers, and 12 weight lifters, mean age 20.7 (SEM 0.7) years], and 21 untrained men [mean age 20.1 (SEM 0.2) years]. In the Sumo wrestlers, body mass ranged between 77.0 and 150.0?kg, body mass index between 25.9 and 44.5 kg?·?m^?2, relative fat mass (%FM) between 11.9 and 37.0%, and fat-free mass (FFM) between 59.1 and 107.6?kg. The Sumo wrestlers showed significantly higher %FM and smaller elbow and knee extensor cross-sectional areas (CSA) than the weight-classified athletes who weighed from 90.4?kg to 133.2?kg. Moreover, isokinetic forces in the flexion and extension of elbow and knee joints, respectively, at three constant velocities of 1.05, 3.14 and 5.24 rad?·?s^?1 were significantly lower in the Sumo wrestlers than in the weight-classified athletes and untrained subjects when expressed per unit of body mass. However, the median value of FFM relative to body height in the higher-division Sumo wrestlers was ranked high in the range of magnitude among those reported previously in the literature for heavyweight athletes. Moreover, the results on the comparisons within the Sumo wrestlers showed that not only FFM but also force generation capability, expressed both as an absolute term and as a value relative to both body mass and muscle CSA, might be factors contributing to the performance of Sumo wrestlers.     

Upper limit of fat-free mass in humans: A study on Japanese Sumo wrestlers

If limitations exist in skeletal dimensions, fat-free mass (FFM) might have an upper limit. To explore the upper limit to FFM, 37 professional Japanese Sumo wrestlers, 14 highly trained bodybuilders, and 26 untrained men were investigated for body composition (fat mass and FFM) and cross-sectional areas (CSA) of limb muscles, by hydrodensitometry and ultrasound, respectively. Mean % fat of Sumo wrestlers, bodybuilders, and untrained subjects were, respectively, 26.1%, 10.9%, and 12.1%. Sumo wrestlers had a significantly greater FFM than bodybuilders, who had a greater FFM than the untrained men. Six of the wrestlers had more than 100 kg of FFM, including the largest one of 121.3 kg (stature: 186 cm, mass: 181 kg, %fat: 33.0%). The FFM/stature ratio of elite Sumo wrestlers averaged at 0.61 kg/cm, with the highest 0.66 kg/cm. It is suggested that a FFM/stature ratio of 0.7 kg/cm may be an upper limit in humans. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Assessment of body composition by using a new chart method

The body mass index (BMI, weight/height²), is commonly used as a simple and valid way of assessing body composition. However, the significance of the BMI is not clear, since body mass is composed of two main components: fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM), each with different densities. In order to graphically present body composition as a quantitative measure, a chart based on the fat-free mass index (FFMI, FFM/height²) and fat mass index (FMI; FM/height²), as reported in a previous paper (Hattori, J. Anthropol. Soc. Nippon 99:141–148, 1991), was revised by adding information on both the percentages of body fat (%fat) and the BMI. The benefit of the new chart method is its simplicity which comes from the application of two variables on a two dimensional chart. The chart containing the lines of %fat and the BMI can be of use in detecting multiple aspects of body composition since it provides four pieces of information at the same time: FMI, FFMI, BMI, and %fat. Am. J Hum. Biol. 9:573–578, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Muscle enlargement in sumo wrestlers includes increased muscle fascicle length

Skeletal muscle architecture was measured in 28 college sumo wrestlers (Sumo) and 30 control subjects. Pennation angle (PAN) and muscle thickness (MTH) of the triceps long head (TL), vastus lateralis (VL) and gastrocnemius medialis (MG) and lateralis (LG) muscles were measured by B-mode ultrasonography, and fascicle length (FAL) was estimated. Sumo wrestlers had a significantly greater percentage body fat [mean (SD) 33.9 (9.4)%], fat mass [41.7 (18.5) kg], and fat-free mass [76.8 (7.5) kg] than the controls [15.6 (2.5)%, 9.3 (2.4) kg, and 49.9 (6.2) kg, respectively]. MTH was between 18 and 35% greater in sumo wrestlers than in controls. The sumo wrestlers had a significantly greater PAN in the TL, MG and LG muscles than did the controls, but not in the VL. There were significant correlations between PAN and MTH for the sumo wrestlers (r values from 0.33 to 0.57), suggesting that PAN is a function of the relative state of muscle enlargement. FAL was greater (P < 0.01) in the Sumo group for TL (7.26 cm vs 6.13 cm), VL (10.01 cm vs 6.97 cm) and MG (6.41 cm vs 5.53 cm) than in the controls, but not for LG (7.61 cm vs 7.04 cm). Relative FAL correlated significantly with MTH for these muscles in the Sumo group [r values from 0.45 (P < 0.05) to 0.71 (P < 0.01)]. There appear to be architectural differences in the muscle fascicles between sumo wrestlers and controls, with sumo wrestlers having longer fascicles. A greater FAL appears to limit the degree of change in PAN associated with the extreme muscle enlargement seen in sumo wrestlers. This architectural alteration may ultimately improve the expression of the force/cross-sectional area relationship with extreme muscle enlargement.     

Muscle enlargement in sumo wrestlers includes increased muscle fascicle length

Skeletal muscle architecture was measured in 28 college sumo wrestlers (Sumo) and 30 control subjects. Pennation angle (PAN) and muscle thickness (MTH) of the triceps long head (TL), vastus lateralis (VL) and gastrocnemius medialis (MG) and lateralis (LG) muscles were measured by B-mode ultrasonography, and fascicle length (FAL) was estimated. Sumo wrestlers had a significantly greater percentage body fat [mean (SD) 33.9 (9.4)%], fat mass [41.7?(18.5)?kg], and fat-free mass [76.8?(7.5)?kg] than the controls [15.6 (2.5)%, 9.3 (2.4)?kg, and 49.9 (6.2)?kg, respectively]. MTH was between 18 and 35% greater in sumo wrestlers than in controls. The sumo wrestlers had a significantly greater PAN in the TL, MG and LG muscles than did the controls, but not in the VL. There were significant correlations between PAN and MTH for the sumo wrestlers (r values from 0.33 to 0.57), suggesting that PAN is a function of the relative state of muscle enlargement. FAL was greater (P?<?0.01) in the Sumo group for TL (7.26?cm vs 6.13?cm), VL (10.01?cm vs 6.97?cm) and MG (6.41?cm vs 5.53?cm) than in the controls, but not for LG (7.61?cm vs 7.04?cm). Relative FAL correlated significantly with MTH for these muscles in the Sumo group [r values from 0.45 (P?<?0.05) to 0.71 (P?<?0.01)]. There appear to be architectural differences in the muscle fascicles between sumo wrestlers and controls, with sumo wrestlers having longer fascicles. A greater FAL appears to limit the degree of change in PAN associated with the extreme muscle enlargement seen in sumo wrestlers. This architectural alteration may ultimately improve the expression of the force/cross-sectional area relationship with extreme muscle enlargement.     

Relationship between Birth Weight,Early Growth Rate,and Body Composition in 5- to 7-Year-Old Children

BackgroundPrograming of body composition during intrauterine growth may contribute to the higher risk for cardio-metabolic disease in individuals born small or large for gestational age (SGA, LGA). Compensations of intrauterine growth by catch-up or catch-down postnatal growth may lead to adverse consequences like a thin-fat phenotype.MethodsThe impact of (i) birth weight as well as (ii) the interaction between birth weight and catch-up or catch-down growth during the first 2 years of life on fat-free mass index (FFMI) and fat mass index (FMI) in 3,204 5–7-year-old children were investigated using Hattori''s body composition chart. Body composition results were compared to appropriate for gestational age (AGA) birth weight with the same body mass index (BMI).ResultsIn total, 299 children at age 5–7 years were categorized as SGA, 2,583 as AGA, and 322 as LGA. When compared to AGA-children, BMI at 5–7 years of age was higher in LGA-children (15.5 vs. 16.2 kg/m²; p < 0.001) but not different in SGA-children. Compared to AGA with the same BMI, LGA was associated with higher FMI and a lower FFMI in 5–7-year-old girls. This phenotype was also seen for both sexes with catch-down growth during the first 2 years of life whereas catch-up growth prevented the higher FMI and lower FFMI per BMI. By contrast, SGA was associated with a higher FFMI and lower FMI in 5–7-year-old boys compared to AGA boys with the same BMI. This phenotype was also seen with catch-down growth in both genders whereas catch-up growth in girls led to more gain in FMI per BMI.ConclusionLGA with a compensatory catch-down postnatal growth may be a risk factor for the development of disproportionate gain in fat over lean mass whereas SGA with a catch-down postnatal growth seems to favor the subsequent accretion of lean over fat mass. A higher propensity of lean mass accretion during postnatal growth in boys compared to girls explains sex differences in these phenotypes.     

拉萨藏族儿童青少年跟骨骨强度的年龄变化及其影响因素

目的:收集拉萨藏族儿童青少年骨强度指数数据,探讨其随年龄变化规律并分析年龄、性别、身高、体质量、体质量指数(BMI)、去脂体质量、脂肪质量、肌肉质量、基础代谢对该人群骨强度指数的影响。方法:采用随机整群抽样法抽取拉萨藏族儿童青少年共1 227例(男592例,女635例),定量骨超声测量跟骨骨强度指数,生物电阻抗法检测体成分,所获数据录人SPSS20.0软件,进行统计分析。结果:拉萨藏族儿童青少年随着年龄增加,骨强度指数及其影响因素均呈上升趋势;同年龄组间比较,骨强度指数仅在8岁组出现性别差异;其他指标多在12岁以后出现显著性别差异。女性10～15岁,骨强度指数增长较快;而男性12岁以后开始快速增长。骨强度指数与年龄、身高、体质量、BMI、去脂体质量、脂肪质量、肌肉质量及基础代谢均呈正相关关系。多元线性回归分析显示,体质量、年龄和去脂体质量是跟骨骨强度指数的主要影响因素。结论:拉萨藏族儿童青少年男女跟骨骨强度指数变化规律不一致,其主要影响因素为体质量、年龄及去脂体质量。     

Fat mass and fat-free mass as indicators of body composition among Bengalee Muslim children

Background: The composition of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) are now considered to be important indicators of body composition.

Aim: This cross-sectional study determines the body composition using FM and FFM among children.

Subjects and methods: The study was conducted among 1248 children (619 boys; 629 girls) aged 5–12 years and belonging to the Bengalee Muslim population of West Bengal, India. Anthropometric measurements of height, weight, triceps and sub-scapular skin-folds were recorded and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Body composition was assessed using FM and FFM.

Results: The age-specific mean values of FM and FFM ranged from 1.93–3.07 kg (boys) and 1.91–3.62 kg (girls) and from 14.69–23.44 kg (boys) and 14.18–22.87 kg (girls), respectively. Statistically significant sex differences were observed in FM and FFM (p < 0.05). Age- and sex-specific smooth percentile curves were derived for BMI, FM and FFM using the L, M and S modelling approach for further evaluation of body composition.

Conclusion: These findings are important for future investigations in the field and in epidemiological and clinical settings so as to accurately identify risk of lower or higher adiposity and body composition using FM and FFM.     

Testosterone, aging, and body composition in men from Harare, Zimbabwe.

To examine age-related changes in body composition and testosterone (T) among men in an urban sub-Saharan African population, measures of body composition and salivary T were obtained from 109 males ages 20-78 in Harare, Zimbabwe. Measures included height, weight, suprailiac and triceps skinfold, and percent body fat by bioelectric impedance (BIA). Saliva samples were assayed for T using radioimmunoassay. Average BMI of the overall sample (23.16 (SD = 18.12) kg/m(2) was close to Western populations, while salivary T levels (AM = 196 +/- 96 pmol/l; pm = 172 +/- 98 pmol/l) were much lower. Both morning (beta = -0.535; P < 0.001) and afternoon salivary T declined with age (beta = -0.385; P < 0.001). Multiple regression models indicate that pm salivary T (beta = 0.24; P = 0.025), was a predictor of fat-free mass, but neither am nor pm salivary T was related to fat mass or other measures of body composition. In addition, height was significantly related to pm salivary T levels in men under the age of 60. Multivariate regression indicates that pm salivary T is a predictor of fat-free mass when controlled for height and adiposity. These findings suggest that T is related to both lean mass and overall body size among men from a non-Western nonsubsistence population. As such they are consistent with the hypothesis that bioavailable T plays a role in energetic allocation among human males.     

The use of body mass index to predict body composition in children

BACKGROUND: Simple anthropometric indices of body composition have particular appeal for use in children, and as such body mass index (BMI) has been used to predict percentage body fat in a number of studies. AIM: To evaluate the relationship between BMI and percentage body fat (%body fat) and a proposed, more appropriate relationship between BMI and fat mass/height(2) in a cohort of young children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 109 children aged between 6 and 10 years residing in either Sydney or Brisbane, Australia. Weight and height were measured using standard methods. Body composition was measured using a stable isotope method to firstly determine total body water and subsequently fat free mass. RESULTS: The correlation between BMI and fat mass/height(2) was markedly greater than that between BMI and percentage body fat. In the entire group of children the R(2) (x100%) value for the relationship between BMI and fat mass/height(2) was 73.3% compared with 46.5% for the relationship between BMI and percentage body fat. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that the use of BMI to predict fat mass/height(2), and consequently percentage body fat, is superior to the use of BMI to predict percentage body fat based directly upon the R(2) values of the above analysis.     

南京市建邺区职业人群健走对BMI等体质指标的影响

目的 评估建邺区健走激励大赛对职业人群的BMI等体质指标的影响,探索职业人群的慢病高危干预手段。方法 选取2018年建邺区健走激励大赛中有100天完整健走记录、前后生化和体测结果的483名调查对象,结合万步率、朝三暮四完成率、三个处方完成率对其干预活动开始之前和结束后的体重、BMI、腰围、腰臀比、脂肪含量、骨质含量、肌肉含量、去脂体重、体脂率、基础代谢率、内脏脂肪指数等指标并进行比较。结果 健走后体重、BMI、腰围、腰臀比、脂肪含量、去脂体重、体脂率、内脏脂肪指数较健走前降低（BMI下降均值2.38 kg/m2、腰围下降均值3.8 cm）,骨质含量、肌肉含量、基础代谢率较健走前升高[基础代谢率上升均值66.89 kJ/（m2·h）],差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。其中男性体成分优化效应明显（骨质含量上升均值0.19%、肌肉含量上升均值3.28%）,女性减脂效应明显,指标改善和体成分优化情况随年龄增长减缓。各类健康指标随着万步、朝三暮四、运动处方完成率增高,改善越明显,尤其是万步率100%同时完成朝三暮四和三个处方的人群,减重降脂、体成分优化、代谢率提高高于其他各组（P＜0.05）。结论 坚持健走尤其是结合了朝三暮四、抗阻运动、运动处方后的健走是降低体重、控制BMI、控制腹型肥胖、降低脂肪尤其是内脏脂肪改善体成分合理结构的有效方法,结合抗阻运动的健走提高了男性的体成分优化效果,年轻组效应明显,建议考虑提高女性抗阻运动参与度和刚入职人群健走参与度,更进一步提高健康改善效果。     

The use of body mass index to predict body composition in children

Background : Simple anthropometric indices of body composition have particular appeal for use in children, and as such body mass index (BMI) has been used to predict percentage body fat in a number of studies. Aim : To evaluate the relationship between BMI and percentage body fat (%body fat) and a proposed, more appropriate relationship between BMI and fat mass/height 2 in a cohort of young children. Subjects and methods : Cross-sectional study of 109 children aged between 6 and 10 years residing in either Sydney or Brisbane, Australia. Weight and height were measured using standard methods. Body composition was measured using a stable isotope method to firstly determine total body water and subsequently fat free mass. Results : The correlation between BMI and fat mass/height 2 was markedly greater than that between BMI and percentage body fat. In the entire group of children the R 2 ( &#50 100%) value for the relationship between BMI and fat mass/height 2 was 73.3% compared with 46.5% for the relationship between BMI and percentage body fat. Conclusions : We have shown that the use of BMI to predict fat mass/height 2, and consequently percentage body fat, is superior to the use of BMI to predict percentage body fat based directly upon the R 2 values of the above analysis.     

Gender differences in relationship between fat-free mass index and fat mass index among Korean children using body composition chart

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate gender differences in the relationship between fat-free mass index (FFMI) and fat mass index (FMI) by applying body composition chart on Korean elementary students.

Materials and Methods

Data from 965 healthy Korean children of 8 to 12 years of age (501 boys, 464 girls) were obtained. FFMI and FMI were plotted on the body composition chart, and the differences in the relationships between FFMI and FMI were separately evaluated by gender or grade.

Results

Weight was heavier and BMI was higher in 3rd and 4th grade boys compare to girls. The value of FFM was higher in boys, but FM was not different. In subgroup analysis by grade, significant gender by FFMI interaction (p=0.015) was found, indicating that the slope of the lines for FMI vs. FFMI was different between boys and girls (Figure was not shown). In subgroup analysis by gender, grade by FFMI interaction was significant in boys, indicating that FMI vs. FFMI relationship differed according to grade only in boys.

Conclusion

Boys are leaner than girls, despite having similar BMI. Gender difference in the direction of the change of the FFMI and FMI relationship is evident in children.     

内蒙古蒙古族察哈尔部人体组成成分分析

目的 探讨内蒙古蒙古族察哈尔部的人体组成成分的现状及特点.方法 采用生物电阻抗分析法,对内蒙古蒙古族察哈尔部403(男161,女242)例成人进行人体组成成分的测量.结果 男性躯干脂肪率最高,总体脂率和下肢脂肪率接近,上肢脂肪率最低;女性躯干脂肪率、总体脂率、下肢脂肪率相近,高于上肢脂肪率;男、女性左、右上肢及左、右下...     

Assessment of the composition of major body regions by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), with special reference to limb muscle mass.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) has been used to assess and compare the composition of whole body and major body regions in 12 female (weight, 56.9 +/- 6.2 kg; BMI, 17-25 kg m-2) and 16 male (weight, 73.1 +/- 9.6 kg; BMI, 20-28 kg m-2) healthy subjects. Standard deviations (and % coefficients of variation) of the differences between repeated measurements of fat ranged from 0.11 kg (9.0%) for arms to 0.42 kg (3.0%) for whole body; for arm bone mineral, 0.01 kg (2.0%), and for fat-free soft tissue of the whole body, 0.42 kg (0.8%). Limb muscle mass was estimated using a new theoretical model of body composition, and the corresponding precision ranged from 0.15 kg (3.8%) to 0.27 kg (1.5%) for arms and total limb muscle mass, respectively. Proportions of each region consisting of fat were greater in females than in males (range, 20-31% vs. 16-18%), respectively, but the ratio of trunk to leg fat was lower (34:49% vs. 46:38%, respectively). Regional proportions of bone were similar between the sexes (all in the range 2.9-5.6%, for both females and males). Mean total limb muscle masses were 14.2 kg (arms, 2.8 kg; legs, 11.4 kg) for females and 22.2 kg (arms, 4.8 kg; legs, 17.4 kg) for males, which were 33.6% and 36.0% of fat-free mass, respectively. The correlation coefficients between limb muscle (DEXA) and other indices of muscle mass were: for DEXA vs. total body potassium, 0.90 (SEE 1.1 kg muscle mass) to 0.94 (1.6 kg); and for DEXA vs. anthropometry, 0.43 (1.2 kg) to 0.85 (1.3 kg). Those for limb volume (DEXA) vs. anthropometric volume, 0.91 (0.78 1) to 0.94 (1.91 1). It is concluded that DEXA enables the valid and reproducible estimation of fat, fat-free soft tissue, bone, and limb muscle mass.     

Adolescent Build Plotting on Body Composition Chart and the Type of Diabetes Mellitus

Although the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing, there are cases difficult to categorize into certain type in pediatric diabetic patients. The aims of this study were to detect and choose a proper treatment modality for atypical cases of diabetes mellitus, using the body composition chart. We conducted a retrospective study from August 2005 to 2012 with patients who visited Konkuk University Medical Center, and were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The medical records were reviewed for the anthropometric data and indices of body composition. The subjects were grouped by the type of diabetes and gender. We constructed a body composition chart plotting fat free mass index and fat mass index (FMI). Body mass index and all body composition indices were higher in type 2 diabetes, in each gender in analysis with Mann-Whitney test. Significant determinant of diabetes type was revealed as FMI and contributing factors on FMI were analyzed with regression analysis. Six atypical cases were identified by a body composition chart including non-obese type 2 diabetes showing suboptimal growth with lower BMI related to relatively lower insulin secretion and type 1 diabetes with insulin resistance resulted from obesity. Body composition chart analysis might be useful in characterization of diabetes type and detection of atypical cases and early adjustment of diabetes management strategy.     

Physical fitness factors to predict male Olympic wrestling performance

To determine differences in maximal strength and muscle power output of the arm and leg extensor muscles, peak and mean power during a modified standing crank-arm Wingate test, running speed, muscle extensibility, and anthropometric markers between elite and amateurs wrestlers according to the weight classes system; 92 male wrestlers were assigned into 6 groups according to their body mass (light, middle and heavy weight) and their competitive level (elite and amateur): Light Weight (body mass ranged between 55 and 68 kg) in elite (LW_E, n = 18) and amateur (LW_A, n = 15) level; Middle Weight (body mass ranged between 68 and 84 kg) in elite (MW_E, n = 18) and amateur (MW_A, n = 19) level; and Heavy Weight (body mass ranged between 84 and 100 kg) in elite (HW_E, n = 10) and amateur (HW_A, n = 12) level. Elite wrestlers were older (8–12%), had more training experience (25–37%), fat-free mass (3–5%), maximal strength in absolute and relative terms (8–25%), muscle power (14–30%), mean and peak power during crank-arm Wingate testing in absolute and relative terms (13–22%), jumping height (8–17%) as well as grip (6–19%) and back strength (7–20%) compared to amateur wrestlers. However, no differences were observed between elite and amateur groups in height, body mass index, percentage of body fat, hamstring extensibility and running speed. The present results suggest that the higher absolute and relative values of maximal strength, muscle power, and anaerobic metabolism, explained in part by the differences in lean mass and neural activation patterns, will give elite wrestlers a clear advantage during the most frequently used techniques in Olympic wrestling.     

Lean body mass and bone mineral density in physically exercising postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether the relative contribution of body composition (lean and fat mass component) to postmenopausal bone mineral density (BMD) differs between women participating in physical exercise and sedentary women. METHODS: Subjects were 45 postmenopausal women participating in regular physical exercise and 89 sedentary controls aged 50-60 years. Baseline characteristics included age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI, Wt/Ht(2)), age at menopause, and years since menopause (YSM). Body fat mass, percentage of body fat, lean body mass, and lumbar spine BMD (L2-4) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Although age, height, weight, BMI, and YSM did not differ between the two groups, lean body mass and lumbar spine BMD were significantly higher (P<0.05 and <0.001, respectively), while body fat mass and percentage of body fat mass were significantly lower in exercising women than in sedentary controls (P<0.05 and <0.05, respectively). In exercising women, BMD was positively correlated with lean body mass (r=0.415, P<0.01) but not with body fat mass (r=0.155, NS). Conversely, in sedentary controls, BMD was correlated with body fat mass (r=0.251, P<0.05) and lean body mass (r=0.228, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lean body mass is a more significant determinant of postmenopausal BMD in physically exercising women than in sedentary women.     

Independent associations of body-size adjusted fat mass and fat-free mass with the metabolic syndrome in Chinese

Background: Excess fat leads to adverse health outcomes. Most previous studies investigating body fatness using BMI or fat percentage, which contain both fat mass and fat-free mass, were not able to differentiate the exposure.

Aim: The present study assessed the independent association of fat and fat-free mass with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Chinese.

Subjects and methods: A population-based study of 1144 subjects aged 50–70 from urban and rural areas of Shanghai in 2005–2006 was employed. Body composition was measured with DEXA. Fat mass index (FMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) were calculated. MetS was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria without waist circumference for its high correlation with body composition.

Results: Both FMI and FFMI were significantly related with higher odds of MetS (OR 3.97, 95% CI 2.58–6.09 for FMI; OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.70–4.18 for FFMI, the highest quartile vs the lowest group) after adjusting for age, residence, sex, smoking, drinking, physical activity, medication, family history of chronic diseases, and fat-free mass (for FMI) or fat mass (for FFMI).

Conclusion: Both FMI and FFMI are independently associated with increased MetS risks. Proper expression of body composition is essential in assessing body composition and disease risk association.     

Comparison of body size and composition between young adult Japanese-Americans and Japanese nationals in the 1980s

Background : Data on body composition of American-born Japanese (Japanese-Americans) are scarce. Studies on differences of body composition between Japanese-Americans and Japanese nationals at various stages of life as well as at various times of measurements are useful for understanding the impact of lifestyle changes on body composition in the two societies. Aim : To see the differences in body size and composition between young adult Japanese-Americans and Japanese nationals. Subjects and Methods : Body size and composition of 50 Japanese-Americans consisting of 28 males and 22 females ranging in age from 18 to 23 years were compared with Japanese nationals matched for age and height. Body composition was measured using the underwater weighing method. The study was conducted in the 1980s in the USA and Japan. Results : The average percentage body fat of males was 13.7% for both Japanese-Americans and Japanese nationals, and that of females was approximately 24% for both groups, even though Japanese-American males and females had significantly greater body weight, fat-free mass, and body mass index than Japanese nationals. Conclusion : Although young adult Japanese-Americans showed larger body size than Japanese nationals, their percentage fat did not differ at this stage of life in the 1980s.