A new approach to quantify visceral fat via bioelectrical impedance analysis and ultrasound compared to MRI

Background Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) has been linked to systemic proinflammatory characteristics, and measuring it accurately usually requires sophisticated instruments. This study aimed to estimate VAT applying a simpler method that uses total subcutaneous fat and total body fat (BF) measurements. Method As part of our experimental approach, the subcutaneous fat mass (SFT) was measured via US (SFT total ), and VAT was quantified by assessing MRI data. Both parameters were added to obtain total body fat (BF calc ). Those results were then compared to values obtained from a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BF BIA ). Multiple regression analyses were employed to develop a simplified sex-specific equation for SFT, which was subsequently used in conjunction with BF BIA to determine VAT (VAT Eq ). Result We observed excellent reliability between BF BIA and BF calc , with no significant difference in body fat values (20.98 ± 8.36 kg vs. 21.08 ± 8.81 kg, p = 0.798, ICC 0.948). VAT Eq_female/male revealed excellent reliability when compared to VAT MRI, and no significant difference appeared (women: 0.03 ± 0.66 kg with a 95% CI ranging from −1.26 kg to 1.32 kg, p = 0.815, ICC: 0.955.; men: −0.01 ± 0.85 kg with a 95% CI ranging from −1.69 kg to 1.66 kg, p = 0.925, ICC: 0.952). Conclusion Taking an experimental approach, VAT can be determined without MRI.