B-Mode Ultrasonic Assessment for the Fat Thickness Distribution Pattern on the Whole Body

Abstract

A study was carried out to investigate the distribution pattern of the subcutaneous fat on the whole body. Two helathy males, 31 and 38 years of age, participated as subjects in this study. Subcutaneous fat thickness measurements were made on the trunk, the upper and lower extremities, and the buttock with using B-mode ultrasonic device employing a 5 MHz transducer. The thicker subcutaneous fat were obtained on the portion near navel, outer sites of the lower trunk and the thigh just under the buttock for the both subjects. The thinner portions, on the other hand, were showed on the upper sites of the chest, forearm and leg. On the extremities, fat thickness was relatively remained constant over the whole sites compared with those on the trunk. These results suggest that the fat thickness distribution on the trunk is more significant than those on the extremities in males. © 1987, The Japanese Society of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine. All rights reserved.