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Body composition through adult life: Swedish reference data on body composition
I Larsson1, L Lissner2, G Samuelson3
1Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Internal medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|December 18, 2014
Summary
Older adults have higher body mass index (BMI) and fat mass (FM) but similar fat-free mass (FFM) until age 60. This study provides crucial body composition reference data for Swedish populations.
Area of Science:
- Human Physiology
- Anthropometry
- Gerontology
Background:
- Obesity prevalence varies globally, necessitating population-specific body composition data.
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a key method for assessing body composition.
- Reference data for body composition across different age groups and countries is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference data for body composition in Swedish adults.
- To analyze age-related changes in body composition using DXA.
- To pool data from population-based Swedish cohorts for comprehensive analysis.
Main Methods:
- Pooled data from four population-based Swedish cross-sectional cohort studies.
- Included 1424 adult participants divided into five age groups (20-75 years).
- Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
Main Results:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) increased with age, by 3.2 kg/m² in men and 4.3 kg/m² in women.
- Fat Mass (FM) was significantly higher in older adults (9.9% in men, 9.1% in women).
- Fat-Free Mass (FFM) remained stable until age 60, then decreased in older age groups.
Conclusions:
- The study provides valuable reference data for body composition in Swedish populations.
- Aging is associated with increased BMI and FM, and decreased FFM after age 60.
- These findings highlight age-related body composition shifts in adults.
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