Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
09:36

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study

Published on: February 2, 2017

The association between birth weight and visceral fat in middle-age adults

Marguerite J McNeely1, Wilfred Y Fujimoto, Donna L Leonetti

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Division of General Internal Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Epidemiologic Research and Information Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, 98105-4608, USA. mcneely@u.washington.edu

Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|April 12, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This study found no link between low birth weight and increased visceral fat in middle-aged adults. Further research is needed to understand the long-term health implications of birth weight.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Low birth weight is a known risk factor for adult type 2 diabetes and central obesity.
  • The relationship between birth weight and visceral adiposity remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between lower birth weight and increased visceral fat in middle-aged adults.
  • To test the hypothesis linking reduced fetal development to greater intra-abdominal fat accumulation.

Main Methods:

  • Observational study of 91 adults (mean age 40 years).
  • Data collected on birth weight, BMI, smoking status, and visceral fat via computed tomography.
  • Participants were Japanese American or non-Hispanic white.

Main Results:

  • No significant association was found between birth weight and visceral fat after adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, BMI, and smoking status (p=0.76).
  • The relationship between birth weight and visceral fat did not vary by age, sex, or ethnicity.

Conclusions:

  • This study found no evidence supporting a link between low birth weight and increased visceral fat in middle-aged adults.
  • The findings suggest that other factors may play a more significant role in visceral fat accumulation in adulthood.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Isolation of Viable Adipocytes and Stromal Vascular Fraction from Human Visceral Adipose Tissue Suitable for RNA Analysis and Macrophage Phenotyping06:22

Isolation of Viable Adipocytes and Stromal Vascular Fraction from Human Visceral Adipose Tissue Suitable for RNA Analysis and Macrophage Phenotyping

Published on: October 27, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Obesity01:24

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
Hypodermis01:02

Hypodermis

The hypodermis (the subcutaneous layer or superficial fascia) is present directly below the dermis. It connects the skin to the underlying fascia (fibrous tissue) of the bones and muscles. It is not strictly a part of the skin, although the border between the hypodermis and dermis can be difficult to distinguish. The hypodermis consists of well-vascularized, loose, areolar connective tissue and adipose tissue, which functions as a mode of fat storage and provides insulation and cushioning for...