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Abdominal Fat (abdominal + fat)
Selected AbstractsSelective glucocorticoid receptor (type II) antagonist prevents and reverses olanzapine-induced weight gainDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 6 2010J. K. Belanoff Use of antipsychotic medications has been associated consistently with weight gain and metabolic disturbances, and a subsequent increased risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Two experiments tested whether CORT 108297, a newly identified selective glucocorticoid antagonist could (i) reduce and (ii) prevent olanzapine-induced weight gain in rats. In the first experiment, rats dosed only with olanzapine gained a statistically significant amount of weight. When vehicle was added to their olanzapine dose, they continued to gain weight; when CORT 108297 was added to their regimen, they lost a significant amount of weight. Rats administered CORT 108297 plus olanzapine had significantly less abdominal fat than those who received olanzapine alone. In the second experiment, rats receiving olanzapine plus CORT 108297 gained significantly less weight than rats receiving only olanzapine. Increasing doses of CORT 108297 were associated with less weight gain. [source] Effect of pioglitazone on insulin sensitivity, vascular function and cardiovascular inflammatory markers in insulin-resistant non-diabetic Asian IndiansDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 5 2006A. Raji Abstract Aims To determine the effects of pioglitazone (30 mg once daily for 16 weeks) on insulin sensitivity, insulin-mediated vasodilation, vascular inflammatory markers, fat distribution and lipids in Asian Indians and Caucasians of European ancestry. Methods Cross-sectional study. Eighteen non-diabetic Asian Indians and 17 Caucasians of comparable age (34 ± 3 vs. 36 ± 3 years) and body mass index (26.0 ± 1.2 vs. 24.7 ± 1.0 kg/m2) had measurements of insulin sensitivity (M, insulin clamp at 6 pmol/kg per min), abdominal fat (computed tomographic scan at L4-L5), endothelial-dependent (reactive hyperaemia, RH) and -independent (0.4 mg sublingual nitroglycerin, TNG) vasodilation using brachial artery ultrasound before and after the 2-h clamp at baseline and after pioglitazone therapy. Results Asian Indians were insulin resistant compared with Causasians during the baseline clamp (M = 25.6 ± 1.7 vs. 41.1 ± 2.2 µmol/kg per min, P < 0.0001) and improved significantly after pioglitazone (to 33.9 ± 1.7 µmol/kg per min, P < 0.001). Vasodilatory responses to RH and TNG were similar in Asian Indians and Caucasians at baseline and did not change. Insulin-mediated vasodilation improved after pioglitazone in Asian Indians, but not in Caucasians, and correlated with the change in insulin sensitivity (r = 0.52, P = 0.03). C-reactive protein (CRP) was higher in Asian Indians vs. Caucasians (1.6 ± 0.4 vs. 0.9 ± 0.2 mg/l) and was negatively correlated with insulin sensitivity (r = ,0.53, P = 0.02). In the Asian Indian group, CRP and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 decreased and adiponectin increased after pioglitazone, but there were no significant changes in total or visceral fat. Conclusions These results demonstrate that insulin-resistant Asian Indians respond favourably to an insulin sensitizer with improvements in insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular and inflammatory risk markers, and vascular responses to insulin. These agents may have a role in decreasing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in this high-risk population. [source] Environmental exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls among raccoons (Procyon lotor) at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, Western Kentucky, USA,ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2003Philip N. Smith Abstract An investigation involving raccoons (Procyon lotor) as a sentinel species at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) in Western Kentucky (USA) delineated the extent of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and PCB spatial distribution. Raccoon exposure to PCBs was demonstrated through analysis of subcutaneous fat, abdominal fat, liver, and brain tissues from raccoons collected at the PGDP but also was clearly evident in raccoons from a reference area situated along the Ohio River (USA). Raccoons with the highest tissue PCB concentrations appeared to be those inhabiting areas nearest the plant itself and most likely those that ventured into the plants interior. Male raccoons at the PGDP had similar concentrations of total PCBs in subcutaneous fat (1.86 ± 0.64 ,g/g) as males from the reference site (1.41 ± 0.35 ,g/g), but females had higher PCB body burdens than those at the reference site (9.90 ± 6.13 ,g/g vs 0.75 ± 0.40 ,g/g). Gross measurements of exposure to radiation-producing materials revealed that counts per minute exceeded background in 61% of PGDP raccoons compared with 27% at the reference site and five raccoons at the PGDP had beta counts that were more than twice the background. Differences among trapping success, growth rates, and serum chemistry parameters were noted but may have been related to habitat and other environmental and population density factors. [source] Environmental polychlorinated biphenyl exposure and cytochromes P450 in raccoons (Procyon lotor),ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2003Philip N. Smith Abstract An investigation involving raccoons as a sentinel species at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) and Ballard Wildlife Management Area in western Kentucky (USA) delineated the extent of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Three separate measures of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) induction were used to evaluate raccoon physiological responses to PCB exposure. Hepatic CYP induction was estimated via determination of total CYP, dealkylase activities, and immunoreactive proteins. There were no differences in raccoon biomarker responses between study sites. Significant relationships between and among PCB residues and biomarkers indicated that hepatic CYP induction had occurred in response to PCB exposure. Pentoxy-resorufin O -deethylase (PROD) activity, CYP1A1, and CYP1A2 were biomarkers most closely associated with PCB exposure. The rank order of responses was CYP1A1 > CYP1A2 > PROD > ethoxyresorufin O -deethylase (EROD) as related to raccoon liver PCB concentrations, whereas the order was CYP1A1 > PROD > EROD > CYP1A2 when regressed with total PCB concentrations in abdominal fat. [source] Impaired Energetic Metabolism After Central Leptin Signaling Leads to Massive Appendicular Bone Loss in Hindlimb-Suspended Rats,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 12 2008Aline Martin Abstract We previously showed in rats that the leptin effects on bone were dose dependent. Positive effects were observed when serum leptin concentration was in a physiological range. In contrast, important increases in serum leptin levels led to negative effects on bone formation similar to those reported after intracerebroventricular leptin administration in mice. To clarify whether leptin effects on bone depend on administration route and/or animal model, female rats were hindlimb unloaded or not and treated either with intracerebroventricular infusion of leptin or vehicle for 14 days. By increasing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leptin concentration, intracerebroventricular infusion of leptin significantly reduced food intake and consequently body weight, abdominal fat, and lean mass of the animals. Leptin infusion inhibited bone elongation over the 14 days and blunted cortical bone thickening at the femoral diaphysis site. Interestingly, leptin effects were site dependent in the cancellous bone envelopes, because tibia metaphysis BMD was lower and lumbar spine BMD was higher under intracerebroventricular leptin. Treated groups showed reduced bone remodeling independently of hindlimb unloading. Multiple downstream pathways were implicated in the mediation of these negative leptin effects on bone including not only stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system but also a decrease in somatotropic axis activity. Therefore, the intracerebroventricular leptin-induced bone loss could be largely related to the concurrent alteration of energetic and metabolic status. In summary, our study supports the hypothesis of a concentration-dependent balance between peripheral and central control of leptin on bone. [source] Sonographic findings of mesenteric panniculitis: Correlation with CT and literature reviewJOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 4 2006Nuria Rosón MD Abstract Purpose. To evaluate the sonographic findings of mesenteric panniculitis (MP) and correlate them with CT findings. Methods. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical, CT, and sonographic findings in 26 cases of MP in our hospital between January 1997 and July 2003. We also reviewed the sonographic features of MP previously described in the literature. Results. The sonographic findings were well correlated to CT in 24 of 26 patients (92%). In these 24 cases, abdominal sonographic examination revealed a hyperechogenic, well-defined fatty mass (corresponding to the pseudocapsule CT sign) in the root of the mesentery, displacing the bowel loops. We found a clear interface between MP and normal intra abdominal fat. Examination with color Doppler sonography revealed the nondeviated mesenteric vessels within the mass. The persence of MP improved sonographic transmission in 9 obese patients and enabled the retroperitoneal vessels to be clearly visualized. Sonography was unable to demonstrate the preservation of the fat nearest the mesenteric vessels corresponding to the "fatty halo" sign on CT. Conclusions. Sonography is useful in the diagnostic workup for MP. The characteristic sonographic features of MP (well-defined mass, homogeneous hyperechogenicity of the mass, nondeviated vessels within the mass, and displaced bowel loops) correlate well with CT findings. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:169,176, 2006 [source] Leptin, body composition, adrenal and gonadal hormones among captive male baboonsJOURNAL OF MEDICAL PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2003M.P. Muehlenbein Abstract:, Morphometric and hormonal measures were collected from 21 captive savanna baboons (Papio cynocephalus) maintained at the Tulane National Primate Research Center in order to determine age-related patterns in leptin levels over the life course as well as their relationships to body composition and adrenal and gonadal steroids. Comparison of leptin levels between peri-pubertal, adolescent, young adult, and fully mature males show lower levels among adolescent as compared with young adult males (P = 0.05 by Kruskal,Wallis ANOVA). In addition, abdominal fat varied among age groups (P = 0.003 by Kruskal,Wallis ANOVA) with the peri-pubertal animals lower than the adolescents, young adults, and prime adults. However leptin was not related to any measure of body composition, including abdominal fat, or to adrenal hormones (dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, and cortisol) or gonadal hormones (testosterone and estradiol). Age-related changes in leptin appear similar to those reported for captive rhesus macaques, while the failure to find an association between leptin and abdominal fat is interestingly different. These results confirm elevated levels of leptin in captive baboons compared with their wild counterparts and suggest that they result from changes in fetal development. [source] Review article: gall-bladder motor function in obesityALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 2000M. L. Petroni Summary A number of epidemiological studies has established obesity as a risk factor for gallstone disease. More recently, studies have suggested a relationship between gallstone disease and the metabolic syndrome linked to central adiposity, whose cardinal feature is represented by hyperinsulinaemia. Studies on fasting gall-bladder volume in obese subjects show that this parameter correlates with weight, body mass index (BMI) and body surface area; however, this is also true for large-sized non-obese subjects. Gall-bladder volume also correlates with abdominal fat and with impaired glucose tolerance. In contrast to the well-established role of bile supersaturation in the pathogenesis of gallstones in obesity, data are controversial on whether gall-bladder motor function is defective in obese subjects. However, studies were heterogeneous for subjects' BMI, emptying stimulus, technique used and parameters assessed to evaluate gall-bladder motor function. Also, differences in baseline gall-bladder volume may lead to wide differences in bile ,washout' effect despite apparently similar percentage changes in volume or content. Although post-prandial plasma levels of cholecysto- kinin (CCK) are normal in obese subjects, there is some evidence that a sub-group of obese subjects could have decreased sensitivity to CCK, possibly mediated by hyperinsulinaemia. Further studies using standard physiological stimuli and controlling for glucose tolerance, fasting insulin levels and baseline gall-bladder volume are needed to establish the role of gall-bladder motor function in the pathogenesis of gallstone disease in obesity. [source] Dose,response feeding study of short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) in laying hens: Effects on laying performance and tissue distribution, accumulation and elimination kineticsMOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH (FORMERLY NAHRUNG/FOOD), Issue 2 2007Karl-Heinz Ueberschär Abstract Technical short chain chlorinated paraffins (C10,C13 with 60% chlorine) were fed to 93 laying hens from 24 to 32 weeks of age in increasing concentrations of up to 100 mg/kg feed. No significant influence on health, relative organ weights or performance (laying intensity, egg weight, feed consumption) was noted. The chlorinated paraffin content of the tissues was linearly related to the concentration of short chain paraffins of the feed. The highest concentrations were found in abdominal fat, egg yolk and fatty tissues. Breast muscle, egg albumen and bile fluid contained minimal or no residues. Less than 1% of the chlorinated paraffins ingested were incorporated into the body (without head, feet, gut and feathers), whereas about 1.5% were eliminated with the egg yolk and 30% were excreted with urine and faeces. A six-week kinetic depuration study revealed a biphasic elimination with half-lifes of 4,40 min (liver, kidneys, legs, fat, blood) for the initial rapid phase, and 15,30 days (blood, fat, liver, yolk, kidneys, legs) for the terminal slow phase. [source] Role of candidate genes in the responses to long-term overfeeding: review of findingsOBESITY REVIEWS, Issue 1 2004O. Ukkola Summary An overfeeding experiment conducted with 12 pairs of young male identical twins revealed that genetic factors were likely to play an important role in the response to caloric affluence. Significant intrapair resemblance was observed for the overfeeding-induced changes in body weight, fat mass, abdominal fat, fasting insulin, fasting cholesterol and triglycerides. In an attempt to define the molecular basis of these genotype,energy balance interaction effects, a panel of candidate genes has been investigated. Among the most significant findings, an adipsin polymorphism was associated with increases in body weight, total fat mass and subcutaneous fat in response to overfeeding. In addition, the beta2 adrenergic receptor gene Gln27Glu polymorphism showed a strong association with the gains in body weight and subcutaneous fat. Only a few markers were related to abdominal fat changes and, among them, the adipsin Hinc II polymorphism was associated with both computed tomography (CT)-measured abdominal visceral and total fat. The changes in insulin parameters brought about by long-term overfeeding were influenced most consistently by leptin receptor (LEPR) Gln223Arg and insulin-like growth factor-II Apa I polymorphisms. The LEPR Gln223Arg variant was also associated with the changes in plasma total triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. Further research with larger sample sizes should make it possible to identify the specific contributions of DNA sequence variations at multiple candidate gene loci in the complex response to chronic positive energy balance. [source] Social stress, visceral obesity, and coronary artery atherosclerosis: product of a primate adaptationAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 9 2009Carol A. Shively Abstract Abdominal obesity is prevalent and often accompanied by an array of metabolic perturbations including elevated blood pressure, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance or insulin resistance, a prothrombotic state, and a proinflammatory state, together referred to as the metabolic syndrome. The metabolic syndrome greatly increases coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Social stress also increases CHD although the mechanisms through which this occurs are not completely understood. Chronic stress may result in sustained glucocorticoid production, which is thought to promote visceral obesity. Thus, one hypothesis is that social stress may cause visceral fat deposition and the metabolic syndrome, which, in turn increases CHD. CHD is caused by coronary artery atherosclerosis (CAA) and its sequelae. Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) are a well-established models of CAA. Social subordination may be stressful to cynomolgus monkeys and result in hypercortisolemia and exacerbated CAA in females. Herein is reviewed a body of literature which suggests that social stress increases visceral fat deposition in cynomolgus monkeys, that subordinate females are more likely than dominants to have visceral obesity, that females with visceral obesity have behavioral and physiological characteristics consistent with a stressed state, and that females with high ratios of visceral to subcutaneous abdominal fat develop more CAA. While these relationships have been most extensively studied in cynomolgus macaques, obesity-related metabolic disturbances are also observed in other primate species. Taken together, these observations support the view that the current obesity epidemic is the result of a primate adaptation involving the coevolution with encephalization of elaborate physiological systems to protect against starvation and defend stored body fat in order to feed a large and metabolically demanding brain. Social stress may be engaging these same physiological systems, increasing the visceral deposition of fat and its sequelae, which increase CHD risk. Am. J. Primatol. 71:742,751, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Laryngeal presentation of systemic apolipoprotein A-I,derived amyloidosis,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 3 2009Aldert J. C. Hazenberg MD Abstract Objective: To study the clinical and pathological characteristics of two patients with laryngeal apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I)-derived (AApoAI) amyloidosis with the apolipoprotein A-I variants Leu174Ser and Leu178Pro, respectively. The latter variant has not been associated with amyloid before. Study Design: Descriptive report of two patients who presented with laryngeal amyloid presumed to be of localized AL type, but in who further assessments demonstrated systemic amyloidosis. Methods: The larynx was examined by videolaryngostroboscopy. The voice was analyzed with the GRBAS system, phonation times, and phonetography. Laryngeal biopsies were stained with Congo red and analyzed immunohistochemically. Organ function was assessed and tissue involvement by amyloid further determined by rectal biopsy, abdominal fat tissue aspirate, and serum amyloid P component scintigraphy. Results: The appearance of the laryngeal amyloid was unusual in both patients, occurring as small, irregular floppy proliferations affecting the borders of both vocal folds. Amyloid was stained with antibodies to apoA-I and not with antibodies to immunoglobulin light chains. The 45-year-old woman with the previously described amyloidogenic apoA-I Leu174Ser variant had possible involvement by amyloid in joints, peripheral nerves, and heart. Whereas in the 67-year-old man with apoA-I Leu178Pro there was a clinical suggestion of autonomic and cardiac amyloid and histological corroboration of systemic amyloidosis in abdominal fat. Conclusions: Laryngeal symptoms may be the presenting feature of hereditary systemic AApoAI amyloidosis, and comprehensive investigations including apoA-I genotyping are warranted in patients who present with apparently localized laryngeal amyloidosis. The distinctive appearance of the amyloidotic vocal folds described here may further signal the possibility of hereditary AApoAI type. Laryngoscope, 119:608,615, 2009 [source] A comprehensive analysis of QTL for abdominal fat and breast muscle weights on chicken chromosome 5 using a multivariate approachANIMAL GENETICS, Issue 2 2009G. Le Mignon Summary Quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing the weight of abdominal fat (AF) and of breast muscle (BM) were detected on chicken chromosome 5 (GGA5) using two successive F2 crosses between two divergently selected ,Fat' and ,Lean' INRA broiler lines. Based on these results, the aim of the present study was to identify the number, location and effects of these putative QTL by performing multitrait and multi-QTL analyses of the whole available data set. Data concerned 1186 F2 offspring produced by 10 F1 sires and 85 F1 dams. AF and BM traits were measured on F2 animals at slaughter, at 8 (first cross) or 9 (second cross) weeks of age. The F0, F1 and F2 birds were genotyped for 11 microsatellite markers evenly spaced along GGA5. Before QTL detection, phenotypes were adjusted for the fixed effects of sex, F2 design, hatching group within the design, and for body weight as a covariable. Univariate analyses confirmed the QTL segregation for AF and BM on GGA5 in male offspring, but not in female offspring. Analyses of male offspring data using multitrait and linked-QTL models led us to conclude the presence of two QTL on the distal part of GGA5, each controlling one trait. Linked QTL models were applied after correction of phenotypic values for the effects of these distal QTL. Several QTL for AF and BM were then discovered in the central region of GGA5, splitting one large QTL region for AF into several distinct QTL. Neither the ,Fat' nor the ,Lean' line appeared to be fixed for any QTL genotype. These results have important implications for prospective fine mapping studies and for the identification of underlying genes and causal mutations. [source] Quantitative trait loci for fatty acid composition in longissimus dorsi and abdominal fat: results from a White Duroc × Erhualian intercross F2 populationANIMAL GENETICS, Issue 2 2009T. Guo Summary A whole-genome scan was performed on 660 F2 animals including 250 barrows and 410 gilts in a White Duroc × Erhualian intercross population to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for fatty acid composition in the longissimus dorsi muscle and abdominal fat. A total of 153 QTL including 63 genome-wide significant QTL and 90 suggestive effects were identified for the traits measured. Significant effects were mainly evident on pig chromosomes (SSC) 4, 7, 8 and X. No association was detected on SSC3 and 11. In general, the QTL detected in this study showed distinct effects on fatty acid composition in the longissimus muscle and abdominal fat. The QTL for fatty acid composition in abdominal fat did not correspond to those identified previously in backfat and the majority of QTL for the muscle fatty acid composition were mapped to chromosomal regions different from previous studies. Two regions on SSC4 and SSC7 showed significant pleiotropic effects on monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in both longissimus muscle and abdominal fat. Another two QTL with significant multi-faceted effects on MUFA and PUFA in the longissimus muscle were found each on SSC8 and SSCX. Chinese Erhualian alleles were associated with increased ratios of MUFA to saturated fatty acid at most of the QTL detected, showing beneficial effect in terms of human health. [source] Effect of methionine hydroxy analog-free acid on growth performance and chemical composition of liver of broiler chicks fed a corn,soybean based diet from 0 to 6 weeks of ageANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL, Issue 1 2006Chaiyapoom BUNCHASAK ABSTRACT The experiment was carried out to determine the effects of liquid DL-methionine hydroxy analog-free acid (LMA) and dry DL-methionine (DLM) on growth performance, carcass quality and chemical composition of the livers of broiler chicks during 0,6 weeks of age. Four hundred and fifty male commercial broiler chicks (Ross strain) were used. The chicks were divided into three groups, and each group consisted of six replicates of 25 chicks each. The chicks were kept in floor pens, and water and feed were supplied ad libitum throughout the experiment. Three experimental diets were provided as follows: (i) corn,soybean-based diet deficient in methionine; (ii) methionine-deficient corn,soybean-based diet supplemented with DLM to meet the methionine requirements of broiler chicks; and (iii) methionine-deficient corn,soybean-based diet supplemented with LMA (1.25-fold (w/w) the amount of DLM supplied to the second group, given an assumption that 100 units of liquid LMA can be replaced by 80 units DLM to give similar performance results). During the starter period, the weight gains of chicks fed LMA or DLM were significantly greater than those in chicks receiving the methionine-deficient diet (P < 0.05), and the addition of LMA significantly improved weight gain compared with the addition of DLM. Adding DLM or LMA significantly improved the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and percentage of uniformity (P < 0.05). No significant differences between the effects of DLM and LMA on these parameters were found. During the grower period (3,6 weeks of age), weight gain, FCR, uniformity and feed intake of chicks that received diet supplemented with DLM or LMA were superior to those of the methionine-deficient group (P < 0.05). Chicks fed LMA had the same bodyweight gain and uniformity as those fed DLM. However, adding LMA resulted in a significant increase of FCR resulting from excess feed consumption. Outer breast meat yields were significantly improved and abdominal fat was significantly decreased when methionine sources were added (P < 0.05), and adding LMA tended to promote edible meat growth better than did adding DLM. Although no significant effects of methionine sources on the chemical composition of the liver were seen, adding methionine sources tended to increase liver fat content. In conclusion, it seems that the bioefficacy of LMA relative to DLM is not less than 80%. Therefore, chicks fed with diet supplemented with 1.25-fold (w/w) as much LMA as DLM might exceed requirements for growth performance, while meeting requirements for meat production. Moreover, the relative bioefficacies of LMA and DLM between the starter and grower periods may perhaps be different. [source] Effects of tea catechins on lipid metabolism and body fat accumulationBIOFACTORS, Issue 1-4 2004Ichiro Tokimitsu Abstract Long-term feeding of tea catechins suppressed body fat accumulation in high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice, and that their effects might be attributed, at least in part, to the activation of hepatic lipid metabolism. Consecutive intake of tea catechins (588 mg/day) reduced body fat, especially abdominal fat in humans. These results demonstrate that intake of tea catechins is beneficial for body fat accumulation. [source] Waist circumference in relation to body perception reported by Finnish adolescent girls and their mothersACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 3 2009JS Van Vliet Abstract Aim: To study how waist circumference (WC) relates to body perception in adolescent girls and to maternal perception of the girl's body size. Methods: Three hundred and four girls, 11,18 years, were measured for height, weight and WC. 294 girls provided self-report data on weight, height and body image before anthropometric measurements. Paired data from 237 girls and mothers on perception of the girls' body size were collected. Results: In girls, self-reported weight indicated awareness of actual body size. The girls' body perception showed an overestimation of body size relative to international reference values for body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.05), but not for WC. Girls' body perception exceeded that of their mothers (p < 0.05). Maternal perception agreed better than the girls' perception with international reference values for BMI (p < 0.05). No significant difference between mothers and girls were found concerning agreement of body perception with international reference values for WC. Conclusion: WC rather than BMI agrees with perception of body size, possibly due to its relation to abdominal fat at different ages. For effective prevention and treatment programmes for weight-related health problems among adolescent girls, we recommend measuring WC to diminish the discrepancy between measured and perceived body size. [source] | |||||||||||||