Differences in body fat distribution in women depending on the second to fourth digit ratio value

Second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is sexually dimorphic, however, the hypothesis claiming that masculine digit ratio in women is connected with masculine phenotype is not fully confirmed. The aim of the present study was to investigate differences in anthropometric parameters in women in relation to the digit ratio value. Cross-sectional research was conducted among 730 Polish female university students, aged 19-25 years. Anthropometric measurements were performed and data about socioeconomic status were collected. The results showed no statistically significant relationships between both right- or left-hand 2D:4D digit ratio and body height and BMI either in univariate linear regressions or in multivariate regression when SES was included in the models. The correlation between right-hand 2D:4D digit ratio and WHR also was not statistically significant. There were significant linear negative relationships between left 2D:4D and WHR. The significant linear negative relationships between both right and left 2D:4D and waist circumference and WHtR were found. Relationships between digit ratio and WC and WHtR were also tested by multiple regression analyses with SES included in the models. The results were statistically significant. Additionally, statistically significant differences in both right- and left digit ratios depending of the categories of waist circumference and WHtR were found. The lowest values of digit ratio were presented by the women with abdominal obesity. The results suggest that low values of digit ratio in women are associated with higher abdominal fat accumulation.