Investigating the relationships between body fat distribution, metabolic biomarkers and endocrine regulators in Pacific and New Zealand European women : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 1 March 2021

Abstract

Background: The burden of overweight and obesity continues to rise throughout the world, including New Zealand (NZ). Obesity prevalence differs among ethnic groups in NZ and this is associated with considerable health inequities. For example, Pacific peoples living in NZ have higher rates of obesity-­‐related health issues, compared to NZ Europeans. Understanding the link between body composition and metabolic health is essential for the development of more effective preventative and intervention strategies for different population groups, who may have different metabolic disease risk profiles. Aims: This research aims to, firstly investigate metabolic biomarkers and endocrine regulators in two distinct groups of women with different body fat profiles (normal and obese) and of high metabolic disease risk (Pacific women) or moderate metabolic disease risk (NZ European women); and secondly, to compare different approaches of assessing body composition and fat distribution and their relationship with metabolic and endocrine profiles. Design: A cross-­‐sectional study conducted in 304 Pacific and NZ European women aged 18-­‐ 45 years. Anthropometry, a range of body composition and fat distribution measurement approaches, metabolic biomarkers (including lipids, markers of glucose metabolism and inflammation markers) and endocrine regulators (insulin and leptin) will be investigated.--Shortened abstract