A new approach to quantify visceral fat via bioelectrical impedance analysis and ultrasound compared to MRI

Abstract

Background: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) has been linked to systemic proinflammatory characteristics, and measuring it accurately usually requires sophisticated instruments. This study aimed to estimate VAT applying a simpler method that uses total subcutaneous fat and total body fat (BF) measurements.

Method: As part of our experimental approach, the subcutaneous fat mass (SFT) was measured via US (SFT_total), and VAT was quantified by assessing MRI data. Both parameters were added to obtain total body fat (BF_calc). Those results were then compared to values obtained from a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BF_BIA). Multiple regression analyses were employed to develop a simplified sex-specific equation for SFT, which was subsequently used in conjunction with BF_BIA to determine VAT (VAT_Eq).

Result: We observed excellent reliability between BF_BIA and BF_calc, with no significant difference in body fat values (20.98 ± 8.36 kg vs. 21.08 ± 8.81 kg, p = 0.798, ICC 0.948). VAT_{Eq_female/male} revealed excellent reliability when compared to VAT_MRI, and no significant difference appeared (women: 0.03 ± 0.66 kg with a 95% CI ranging from -1.26 kg to 1.32 kg, p = 0.815, ICC: 0.955.; men: -0.01 ± 0.85 kg with a 95% CI ranging from -1.69 kg to 1.66 kg, p = 0.925, ICC: 0.952).

Conclusion: Taking an experimental approach, VAT can be determined without MRI.