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
Date
2019
Rights
The Author
Publisher
Massey University
Description
Embargoed until 1 March 2021