Abstract
The effect of body fat on body dry weight was assessed on the basis of the body fat ratio calculated using the formula: Body Total Fat (BTF)-2000 (kett)
The body fat ratio of 29 subjects undergoing hemodialysis (11 males and 18 females) was measured, and they were grouped into 14 with a normal fat ratio (N) and 15 with a high fat ratio (H), setting the upper limit of normal at 20% in males and 24% in females. Cardio-thoracic (CT) ratio and blood pressure, two routine major determinants of dry weight, were compared in the two groups, along with the results of a questionnaire administered to determine the degree of dry weight consciousness.
The CT ratio tended to be lower in Group H. Comparison of average blood pressures before and after dialysis showed a significant reduction after dialysis in Group H (p<0.01). The questionnaire revealed that whereas only 4 subjects (57%) in Group N had desire to increase dry weight, 7 (70%) in Group H did.
The normal value for dry weight may be set lower than it should be in subjects who have a propensity to gain weight, when analyzed on the basis of body fat ratio, and therefore the body fat ratio ought to be considered in setting dry weight.
