Body fat distribution and total body fat as risk factors for microalbuminuria in the obese

Background/Aim: Despite evidence linking type of obesity with subsequent organ malfunction, such a link with renal malfunction has not been widely researched. The aim of this study was to investigate percentage of total body fat (%TBF), and body fat distribution in relation to the renal function in overweight/obese subjects. Methods: Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), TBF (by bioelectric impedance), and albumin excretion rate (AER) were determined in 77 subjects: 48 overweight/obese (BMI greater than or equal to 27.8 for men and greater than or equal to 27.3 for women) and 29 controls (BMI < 27.8 for men and < 27.3 for women). Obese subjects were subdivided into those (n = 33) with central fat distribution (WHR greater than or equal to 0.81 for women and greater than or equal to 0.92 for men) and those (n = 15) with peripheral fat distribution (WHR < 0.81 for women and < 0.92 for men). Results: Obesity, irrespective of type, was significantly related to increased AER. Furthermore, in subjects who did not differ in %TBF, the age-adjusted relative risk of abnormal AER was 18 times greater in centrally obese subjects as compared with controls, while only four times greater in peripherally obese subjects. Conclusion: A significant difference in risk of renal malfunction was observed in individuals having the same %TBF, but differing in the distribution of this fat, with a central fat pattern being the greater risk. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.