Basic anthropometric measurements and derived indicators in dietary counseling: Part two

Abstract

Obesity is defined as excessive accumulation of body fat. Large amounts of visceral fat in the body lead to increased risk of developing atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease. Evaluation of body fat plays a crucial role in everyday clinical practice. The article presents new anthropometric indicators: BAI (Body Adiposity Index) and VAI (Visceral Adiposity Index), and the examples of research where they were used. The studies on VAI index has so far shown that it can be useful in assessing visceral adipose dysfunction as well as cardiometabolic risk. In addition, its use may be practical and justified in young patients with endocrine diseases (for example in women with polycystic ovary syndrome) who do not yet present with symptoms metabolic syndrome. Calculation of VAI could provide much valuable information on possible visceral adipose dysfunction. The usefulness of the new BAI and VAI indicators has yet to be confirmed in scientific studies, but their calculation could enrich epidemiological studies, as well as clinical trials in patients with civilization-related and endocrine diseases.