Body Composition of Nigerian Diabetics using Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA)

Abstract

Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA) is an objective, safe, rapid and non-invasive method for assessing quantity of body fat. 136 diabetic patients registered at the diabetes clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital had their body composition measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. There were 76 males and 60 females. Mean age was 59.2 ± 21.6 for males and 52.57 ± 17.3 for females. Body mass index (BMI) ranged from 17.8–33.8 Kg/m2. Mean 23.05 ± 3.8 for females and 25.76 ± 4.4 for males. Mean waist circumference for males was 82.96 ± 25.3 cm and 91.15 ± 23.2 cm for females. The percentage body fat was 16.7 ± 9.1% for males and 25.8 ± 8.1% for females. Percentage body fat or total fat mass varied significantly between the male and female diabetic patients. The difference was statistically significant. This is noteworthy as there was no significant difference in body mass index in this same population of patients. It is concluded that the use of weight or even BMI for estimating obesity may not be accurate.


KEYWORDS: Body composition, body fat, bioimpedance analysis, Type 2 diabetes.


Nig. Jnl Health & Biomed. Sciences Vol.3(1) 2004: 37-39