Abstract

The new optical device LIPOMETER enables the non-invasive, quick and save determination of the thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) layers (in nun) at any site of the human body. The topographic specification of 15 evenly distributed body sites allows the precise measurement of subcutaneous body fat distribution, socalled subcutaneous adipose tissue topography (SAT-Top).

SAT-Top was determined in more than 1000 children, aging from 7 to 21 yr. We describe the SAT-Top development of these subjects through different age groups and the differences between male and female SAT-Top development in each age group.

SAT layer profiles (medians of the 15 body sites) for boys and girls in age group 1 (7-9 yr) show a very similar pattern for both sexes, followed by slightly decreasing SAT layer thicknesses in boys and increasing values in girls in the subsequent age groups. Between age group 3 (11-13 yr) and age group 7 (19-21 yr) male and female SAT-Top is significantly different in (almost) all body sites.

We present a precise description of SAT-Top development in boys and girls, providing a basis for further investigations hi different fields such as obesity, sport sciences or metabolic disorders, and suggesting the LIPOMETER technique as an appropriate measurement tool.

© 2001 OSA/SPIE