Population study on the adipose tissue distribution in Japanese women born in 1948

We examined the relationship between body fat distribution and glucose metabolism and sex hormones in Japanese premenopausal women born in 1948. 1. There was a significant positive correlation shown between the waist circumference or skinfolds of the upper body, and the fasting insulin and C-peptide levels. 2. A positive correlation was seen between W2-3/H, and both insulin (r = 0.29, 0.30, P less than 0.05) and C-peptide levels (r = 0.40, 0.33, P less than 0.01, 0.05). 3. A significant negative correlation was seen between the SHBG level, and BMI (r = -0.39, p less than 0.01), W3/H (r = -0.46, P, 0.01), insulin (r = -0.28, P less than 0.05), and C-peptide (r = -0.46, P less than 0.01). 4. A significant negative correlation was seen between SHBG and W3/H (r = -0.31, P less than 0.05) after adjustment for BMI. These results suggest that the association of body fat distribution and glucose metabolism and androgeneity even if taking account of BMI, exists in non-obese women.