Ethnic differences in skinfold thickness trajectories in children in the born in bradford 1000 cohort study provide modest support for the adipose tissue compartment hypothesis

Background

South Asian populations have high susceptibility to cardiometabolic diseases, with high adiposity for a given Body Mass Index implicated. This study tested the adipose tissue overflow hypothesis that, compared to White Europeans, South Asians have smaller, peripheral subcutaneous adipose tissue depots.

Methods

Subscapular, triceps and thigh skinfolds were measured at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months in White British (Number = 561) and British Pakistani (Number = 651) children in Bradford, England. Data were available for 1295 people. Linear spline models of the three skinfold trajectories were developed by ethnic and sex group to allow exploration of mean temporal change between groups. Models were adjusted for birthweight, length of gestation and gestational diabetes.

Results

3-year trajectories differed between skinfold sites, with different patterns of growth observed. White British and British Pakistani children had similar adjusted subscapular skinfold thicknesses. Adjusted triceps skinfolds in British Pakistani boys and girls were mostly lower than White British children. British Pakistani children had adjusted mean thigh skinfold thicknesses mostly lower than White British children.

Conclusion

Our study provides modest support for the adipose tissue overflow hypothesis. Replication in larger birth cohorts and continuing consideration of the cardiometabolic impacts of potential differences are required.