Abdominal fat distribution differently affects muscle strength of the upper and lower extremities in women

Background/Objectives: In obese subjects, reduced muscle mass and strength are associated with impaired functional and metabolic capacity. We therefore investigated the association between abdominal fat distribution, fat mass index and maximum muscle strength of upper and lower extremities in obese patients. Subjects/Methods: One hundred and fifty five outpatients with a body mass index (BMI)⩾30 kg/m 2 (105 women; 45.1±14.6 years; BMI 43.5±8.2 kg/m 2 ) were included in the study. Grip and knee extension strength were measured with dynamometers. Using bioelectric impedance analysis, fat-free mass and fat mass indices (FFMI, FMI) were calculated. The influence of age, weight, FFMI, FMI and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) on grip and knee extension strength was investigated in a risk factor-adjusted regression analysis. Results: BMI did not correlate with hand grip or knee extension strength. The regression model confirmed a positive effect of higher weight on strength parameters; however, increased FMI was shown to have a negative effect on strength in both sexes (women, knee: β : −1.495, confidence interval (CI): −2.075 to −0.0914, P