Association Between Body Fat Distribution Assessed by Different Techniques and Body Image Perception in HIV-Infected Children and Adolescents.

PURPOSE: verify whether there is difference in body fat values assessed by different methods according to the body image perception of HIV-infected children and adolescents.

DESIGN AND

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study with 65 HIV-infected children and adolescents (aged 8-15 years). Total fat mass, trunk fat mass, arm fat mass and leg fat mass were obtained through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Anthropometric variables were measured according to international standardization. Body image was assessed using a scale of body silhouettes. Bone age covariates were assessed using carpal wrist X-rays and physical activity by accelerometers. Information regarding viral load and use of combined antiretroviral therapy was obtained from medical records. In males, no significant difference in body fat values and body image categories was observed.

RESULTS

In the model with covariates, girls who desired to reduce body weight had higher BMI (18.96 kg / m2 ± 2.47, R2 adj: 0.613), total fat mass (14.25 kg ± 1.37, R2 adj: 0.589), trunk fat mass (6.50 kg ± 0.66, R2 adj: 0.611) and leg fat mass values (6.01Kg ± 0.57, R2 adj: 0.503) in comparison to girls who were satisfied and to those who desired to increase body weight.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV + girls who desired to reduce body weight had greater amount of BMI, total fat mass, trunk fat mass and leg fat mass compared to those who were satisfied and those who desired to increase body weight.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: These data can be used to assist in the process of coping and accepting body image.