부산대학교 도서관

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of obesity varies considerably between countries when compared using the common international standard. This study investigated body size and body composition in Tongan and Australian Caucasian adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparative study. SUBJECTS: A total of 543 Tongans and 393 Australians. MEASUREMENTS: Weight, height, waist and hip circumference, four skinfolds, midarm circumference, elbow breadth, and body composition by bioelectrical impedance using sex- and ethnic-specific regression equations. RESULTS: Tongan women (mean body mass index (BMI) ± s.e.=32.6 ± 0.4kg/m²) were larger than Australian women (BMI = 25.8 ± 0.4 kg/m²), with more fat-free mass (FFM; 52.2 ± 0.4; 42.6 ± 0.3 kg), fat mass (37.1 ± 0.7; 26.6 ± 0.8 kg) and percentage body fat (%fat) (40.5 ± 0.4; 37.0 ± 0.5%), respectively. Tongan men also had higher BMI (Tongan= 30.3 ± 0.3 kg/m²; Australian = 26.5 ± 0.3 kg/m²), FFM (70.2 ± 0.5; 62.3 ± 0.6kg) and fat mass (23.5 ± 0.6; 20.7 ± 0.7kg). When compared with Australians within the same BMI range, Tongans had significantly higher FFM, elbow width, midarm muscle area and significantly lower %fat. The %fat at BMIs of 25 and 30 kg/m² in Australian women was equivalent to the %fat found in Tongan women at 28.8 and 35.1 kg/m², respectively. BMIs of 25 and 30 kg/m² in Australian men corresponded with 27.5 and 35.8 kg/m² in Tongan men. Skinfold thicknesses, waist, hip and WHR measurements suggested differences in fat distribution and body shape between ethnic groups, particularly in women. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the standard healthy weight ranges recommended for international use may not be appropriate standards for use in the Tongan population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]