Two-dimensional predictive equation to classify visceral obesity in clinical practice

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Anthropometry
• Obesity Research

Background:

• Assessing visceral obesity is challenging; computed tomography (CT) is accurate but costly and impractical for routine clinical use.
• There is a need for accessible and reliable methods to evaluate visceral obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a new two-dimensional elliptical anthropometric equation for classifying visceral obesity.
• To compare the accuracy and reliability of the new equation against CT-based measurements.

Main Methods:

• Collected anthropometric and CT data from 61 overweight/obese subjects.
• Developed a predictive equation using multiple regression analysis, incorporating sagittal diameter, coronal diameter, and triceps skinfold.
• Validated the equation using a separate group and compared it with existing models using statistical tests and Bland-Altman plots.

Main Results:

• The developed equation, VA/SApredicted = 0.868 + 0.064 x sagittal diameter - 0.036 x coronal diameter - 0.022 x triceps skinfold, accurately predicted visceral obesity.
• Visceral obesity was classified for patients with a visceral area/subcutaneous area (VA/SA) ratio > 0.42.
• The equation showed significant association with CT-assessed VA/SA (r = 0.68, p < 0.0001) and high reliability (p = 0.01).

Conclusions:

• The new two-dimensional elliptical predictive equation is a valid tool for assessing visceral obesity.
• This novel anthropometric method is more precise and practical than previous models for clinical application.