Assessment of abdominal visceral fat measured by dual bioelectrical impedance analysis in rugby football players

Abstract

Visceral fat accumulation is a notable risk factor in the incidence of lifestyle-related diseases such as metabolic and circulatory disorders. In this study, we measured visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) in rugby football players by using dual bioelectrical impedance analysis, as well as other metabolic and circulatory parameters. A total of 28 male players (15 forwards, 13 backs; mean age±SD: 23±4 years) participated in this study. VFA and SFA were significantly correlated with body weight. Thus, heavier players had higher VFA and SFA as well as higher body weight. In addition, VFA was significantly correlated with various blood parameters such as alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and triglyceride. Six of the 28 players met the criteria for visceral obesity, defined as both body mass index ≥25 kg/m² and VFA ≥100 cm². In some of these players, blood parameters such as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol <40 mg/dL, triglyceride ≥150 mg/dL, or systolic blood pressure ≥130 mmHg indicated elevated risk for metabolic syndrome. These findings suggest that in athletes like heavier rugby football players, abdominal visceral fat accumulation may indicate risk of lifestyle-related diseases.