Normative Values and Anthropometric Prediction Models for Lean Mass and Fat Mass in the Northeastern Thai Population

Abstract

Background:

Data on reference values for lean mass (LM) and fat mass (FM) in the Southeast Asian populations are currently lacking. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the normative values and generate anthropometric prediction models for LM and FM in the Thai population.

Methods:

Consecutive community-dwelling individuals aged 20–90 years were recruited from Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand, between 2010 and 2015. LM and FM were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Age and sex stratified percentile of LM and FM were presented. Anthropometric prediction models for LM and FM were developed by using linear regression to generate competing models.

Results:

A total of 832 individuals (334 males and 498 females) were included in the study. The mean ± SD age, LM, and FM were 50.0 ± 16.2 years, 38.9 ± 8.0 kg, and 15.5 ± 7.7 kg, respectively. LM decreased with age from 49.4 kg in 20–29 years group to 42.3 kg in ≥70 years group in male and 34.6 kg in 30–39 years group to 30.8 kg in ≥70 years group in females. FM has an inverse U-shaped association with age, which peaked at 11.9 kg in 60–69 years group in males and 20.7 kg in 50–59 years group in females. Among the various anthropometric models, the models incorporating age, sex, weight, and height were considered the best fit for predicting both LM and FM.

Conclusion:

In the Thai population, peak LM was reached during early adulthood and decline with age, whereas FM showed an inverse U-shaped association with age. The prediction models incorporating age, sex, weight, and height were proposed as practical tools for assessing LM and FM in clinical practice.