[The kind of dependence and estimation of body mass]

The aim of the study was to evaluate frequency of overweight and underweight, and estimation of components of body mass (body fat, lean body mass, body water) in 176 people: 61 men with aethanol dependency (group 1), 37 opiate addicted men (group 2), 32 men in control group (group 3), 14 opiate addicted women (group 4) and 32 women after first suicidal attempts who were treated in the Department of Clinical Toxicology (group 5). All of the patients had their Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated. The components of body mass were calculated using the method of bioelectrical impendance with Maltron. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica Software. The greatest differences were observed between group 2 and group 1. In both groups more underweight, less overweight with less total body fat was observed, with the increase in body water. In both women groups no overweight or obesity were observed, but there were significant differences between various body components masses. Deficiencies in body fat were observed in 86% women from group 4 and in 50% women from group 5. On the other hand excess of body water was observed in 93% from group 4 and only in 47% from group 5. Our studies shown that even among the persons with correct weight calculated using the BMI method some abnormalities can be observed in body fat, lean body mass and body water. We therefore conclude that only by measuring components of total body mass we may evaluate etiology of overweight and obesity.