Android (centralized) obesity and somatotypes in men: association with mesomorphy

Area of Science:

• Anthropology
• Human Biology
• Body Composition Analysis

Background:

• Body fat distribution is a key factor in health and disease.
• Somatotype (body type) classification offers a framework for understanding human physique variations.
• Previous research has explored links between body composition and health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between body fat distribution patterns and somatotype in adult men.
• To differentiate characteristics of android (central) versus gynoid (generalized) fat distribution.
• To explore the somatotype differences between obese individuals with android versus gynoid fat patterns.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of photographic data from Sheldon, Dupertuis and MacDermott's Atlas of Men (1954) dataset.
• Photoscopic classification of 824 men into weight classes (obese, overweight, normal).
• Independent and blind classification of body fat patterning into android, intermediate, and gynoid categories by two observers.

Main Results:

• Men with android fat distribution were found to be older and more frequently classified as obese compared to those with gynoid fat distribution.
• Android obese men exhibited significantly higher mesomorphic and lower endomorphic somatotype ratings than gynoid obese men (P < 0.01).
• Findings suggest android obesity involves deep body fat and excess lean body mass, not just superficial fat distribution.

Conclusions:

• Android obesity is distinct and associated with specific somatotype characteristics, particularly increased mesomorphy.
• This pattern of obesity involves deeper body fat accumulation and potentially greater lean body mass.
• Understanding these distinctions is crucial for comprehending obesity's complex relationship with body composition and physique.