Body Fat Percentage Distribution of an Orang Asli Group (Aborigines) in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
- Author:
Azuwani AR
;
Noor Khairiah K
;
Cheong YZ
;
Kok CC
;
Aw NSL
;
Nadiah Mhd S
;
Abdul
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Aborigines, body fat percentage, body mass index, Malaysia, waist circumference
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2013;19(2):205-214
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background: Although body fat percentage (BFP) is a widely accepted indicator
of total body fat, it has not been extensively used in studies conducted among
the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia. Objective: This study was undertaken to
determine the BFP distribution in a group of Orang Asli adults living in Cameron
Highlands, Malaysia. Methods: Kampung Sungai Ruil, one of the Orang Asli
settlements in Cameron Highlands, was conveniently selected for this crosssectional
study. A total of 138 respondents aged 18 years and above were assessed.
Skinfold thickness was measured using the Slim Guide skinfold caliper to
calculate BFP. Waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure and random plasma
glucose were also measured. Results: The mean BFP of the females (29.7%) was
higher than the males (18.9%) and the respondents with abdominal obesity
(36.2%) had higher mean BFP compared to those with normal waist circumference
(23.7%) Those in the age group of 18-28 years old (22.1%) had lower BFP than
respondents in the age groups 29-39 years old (27.3%) and 40-50 years old (29.1%)
(p=<0.001) and married respondents (26.8%) had higher mean BFP than single
(21.2%) respondents. According to the BMI categorisation, respondents categorised
as overweight (25.9%) had higher mean BFP than the normal weight/healthy
(19.2%) respondents, and obese (32.0%) more than underweight (18.1%), normal
weight/healthy (19.2%) and overweight (25.9%) respondents. Linear regression
showed age (regression coefficient = 0.16, p=<0.001), BMI (regression coefficient
= 1.06, p=<0.001) and being a woman (regression coefficient = 8.26, p=<0.001)
were significant predictors of BFP. Conclusion: The BFP is higher in women and
is significantly associated with age and BMI.
- Full text:W020150716522451862313.pdf
