Development and validation of prediction equations for visceral fat in young women

Abstract

The currently available methods for evaluation of visceral obesity have limitations, making them impractical for evaluating large numbers of individuals. This study aimed to develop and validate prediction equations to estimate the area of visceral adipose tissue in young women. The sample included 64 women aged 19 to 36 years. The following variables were evaluated: visceral fat volume (VFV) measured by ultrasound; body mass index (BMI); waist circumference; waist-to-height ratio (WHtR); waist-to-hip ratio (WHR); conicity index; lipid profile; and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). The women were divided into two groups for development (n=48) and validation (n=16) of equations. Three equations were proposed and validated to estimate VFV: Equation 1: VFV = - 31.888 + (4.044 x BMI); Equation 2: VFV = - 51.891 + (248.018 * WHtR); and Equation 3: VFV = - 130.941 + (198.673 x WHtR) + (1.185 x FPG); with a predictive power of 34%, 24%, and 45% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between VFV values assessed by ultrasound and estimated by the prediction equations in the validation group. The proposed equations can be used to calculate VFV in young women when imaging tests are not available, providing a valuable tool for epidemiological studies and health services.