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Ethnic Differences in Body Mass Index and Body Fat
Author(s) -
Kaul Lalita,
Patel Dali J,
Ahluwalia Balwant S,
Williams Robert H,
Adenuga Babafemi B
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.5.a306-d
Subject(s) - body mass index , medicine , ethnic group , demography , obesity , diabetes mellitus , life expectancy , population , gerontology , disease , coronary artery disease , endocrinology , environmental health , sociology , anthropology
Research has shown that total body fat is associated with hypertension, coronary artery disease and diabetes. The data on African Americans show that their life expectancy is approximately 6 years shorter than for the general population. The purpose of this study was to measure Body Fat (BF) and Body Mass Index (BMI) in different ethnic groups to find out whether high BF and BMI are correlated with cardiovascular disease in African Americans. BF and BMI were analyzed by a Body Fat Analyzer. One hundred forty‐eight subjects participated in the study. Sixty patients were males and eighty‐eight patients were females. Ethnic distribution was: 35 Caucasians, 79 African Americans, 28 Asians, 6 Hispanics. Age range was 21–70 in all ethnic groups. Mean body weight of African Americans was significantly higher than other ethnic groups. Caucasians weighed 170 lbs, African Americans 201 lbs, Hispanics 151 lbs, Asians 156 lbs. BMI and BF were also significantly higher among African Americans; Caucasians 27, 27; African American 31, 38; Asians 25, 30. Normal value for BMI is 25 and recommended body fat ranges from 20–30. More African Americans had cardiovascular disease and diabetes which correlated with high BMI and BF. These studies will be helpful in developing early intervention programs to reduce mortality and morbidity among African Americans.