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Publications

Journal Article Epublish

PubMed: 40575118 DOI: 10.1002/osp4.70077

Body Composition Changes in Latino Population: Longitudinal Associations of Fat and Muscle Mass Indices.

Obes Sci Pract 11(3):e70077

Authors: Rosero-Revelo Ricardo, Mateo Tamayo, Ricardo Correa, Bartolome Burguera, Marcio L Griebeler

Affiliations

  • Endocrinology & Metabolism Institute Cleveland Clinic Cleveland Ohio USA.
  • Obesity Center Fundación Santa fe de Bogotá University Hospital Bogotá D.C Colombia.

Abstract

Background

BMI has limitations in assessing metabolic health, especially in diverse populations. Fat mass index (FMI) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) are more accurate predictors of obesity-related risks. Redefining obesity as a fat accumulation disease highlights the need for body composition-focused assessments in clinical practice.

Objectives

This study assessed body composition changes in a Latino population over 6 months, evaluating the utility of fat mass index (FMI) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) in detecting significant variations and exploring associations with baseline characteristics.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, 1571 Latino patients were categorized into hypocaloric-high protein (HHP) and eucaloric-high protein (EHP) groups based on baseline BMI. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis at baseline and after 6 months. Chi-square tests evaluated categorical shifts in classifications, while multinomial logistic and linear regression models identified factors associated with fat and muscle mass changes, adjusting for sex, age, and baseline composition metrics.

Results

Over 6 months, participants experienced significant reductions in body fat mass (31.24-27.25 kg, p < 0.001) and increases in skeletal muscle mass (24.31-25.85 kg, p < 0.001). In the HHP group, baseline FMI and age were significantly associated with fat mass changes, with younger individuals and those with lower baseline FMI being more prone to fat accumulation (p < 0.001). In both groups, higher baseline SMM was associated with greater likelihood of muscle loss and lower probability of muscle gain, suggesting a physiological ceiling effect (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

FMI and SMM enhance clinical assessments by providing more individualized metrics for obesity management in Latino populations. These findings support the integration of body composition analysis into clinical practice for more precise evaluation of metabolic health beyond traditional BMI classifications.

MeSH

Body Mass Index, Muscles, Obesity Management, Body Composition, Classification, Adiposity, Obesity, Weight Loss, Muscle, Skeletal