Age and sex variations in adiposity and central fat distribution among elderly Bengalee Hindus of Calcutta, India

Background : Although a sizeable portion of India's population (13%, over 110 million) is elderly (aged > 55 years) very little information exists on their levels of adiposity and central body fat distribution. Aim : The present study seeks to investigate age and sex variations in adiposity and central fat distribution among urban elderly Bengalee men and women. Subjects and methods : A cross-sectional study of 410 (210 men and 200 women) elderly (> 55 years) urban Bengalee Hindu individuals resident in Calcutta, India, was undertaken utilizing various measures of adiposity and central fat distribution. Results : There existed significant sex differences in various anthropometric variables and indices. Age had significant negative association with most variables and indices in both sexes. In general, the associations were much stronger in men. Regression analysis demonstrated that age had significant negative effect on height, sitting height (SH), weight, body mass index (BMI), minimum waist (MWC), maximum hip (MHC) and mid upper arm (MUAC) circumferences and triceps skinfold (TSF), in both sexes. Age also had significant negative impact on conicity index (CI) in men. Conclusions : The present investigation revealed that there is a significant inverse age trend in adiposity among urban elderly Bengalee Hindus. Moreover, there existed sex differences in the effect of age on various anthropometric measures.