Queen Margaret University logo
    • Login
    View Item 
    •   QMU Repositories
    • eTheses
    • Undergraduate
    • BSc (Hons) Nutrition
    • View Item
    •   QMU Repositories
    • eTheses
    • Undergraduate
    • BSc (Hons) Nutrition
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    An Investigation into the prevalence of Normal-Weight Obesity Syndrome among Caucasian Adults Residing in Scotland

    View/Open
    9361.pdf (636.3Kb)
    Date
    2018
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Abstract
    Introduction: Body mass index (BMI) is the most commonly used parameter to measure nutritional status in adults. Recently, it has been discovered individuals can have a BMI within normal range but excess body fat (BF), this is known as Normal-Weight Obesity Syndrome (NWO). These individuals have a healthy BMI, however, are at risk of the same health risks as those with a BMI in the obese range such as cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance. The prevalence is not well established but can range from 5% to 45%. Hypothesis: NWO does exist in Caucasian adults residing in Scotland at an expected prevalence of approximately 10%. Method: A cross sectional study involving a voluntary sample of Caucasian adults aged 18-75 years old with a normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2). Basic anthropometric measurements such as weight and height were taken. Body fat percentage (BF%) was measured via bioelectrical impedance analyser (BIA). A 3-day diet diary was self-reported and a non-exercise VO2max questionnaire was answered. NWO was defined as normal BMI with a body fat percentage ≥30% for females and ≥23% for males. Results: Forty-two participants, (eleven males and thirty-six females) participated in the study. The mean age was 24.05 years (±7.03) and a mean BMI of 22.67 kg/m2 (±1.55). The prevalence rate of NWO was 14.29% (n=6). Statistical analysis showed there was a significant difference between BF% and BMI (p=0.009). BF% positively correlated with height (r=-0.983, p<0.001) and weight (r=-0.927, p<0.001); VO2max was inversely correlated with BF%; macronutrient intake correlated negatively with body fat percentage in normal-weight obese participants (p<0.001). Conclusion: This is the first study in the UK examining the relationship between BMI and NWO within the Scottish population. It confirms, alongside previous research that NWO occurs moderately within population. A larger-scale prospective cohort study may give a greater insight into the prevalence of NWO in Scotland and how diet and physical activity levels influence this syndrome. Key Words: Normal-Weight Obesity; bioelectrical impedance; body mass index; body fat percentage; obesity.
    URI
    https://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/9361
    Collections
    • BSc (Hons) Nutrition

    Queen Margaret University: Research Repositories
    Accessibility Statement | Repository Policies | Contact Us | Send Feedback | HTML Sitemap

     

    Browse

    All QMU RepositoriesCommunities & CollectionsBy YearBy PersonBy TitleBy QMU AuthorBy Research CentreThis CollectionBy YearBy PersonBy TitleBy QMU AuthorBy Research Centre

    My Account

    LoginRegister

    Queen Margaret University: Research Repositories
    Accessibility Statement | Repository Policies | Contact Us | Send Feedback | HTML Sitemap