Anthropometric and Biochemical Profiles of Black South African Women

Abstract

It has been reported that the diet of rural women in most African countries differs 
considerably from that of their urban counterparts, with the urban diet composed of 
more refined carbohydrates and fatty food. This study examines anthropometric and 
biochemical profiles and the association between these parameters in pre-menopausal, 
post-pubertal black South African women. A representative sample of 500 
participants, randomly selected in Mangaung, Bloemfontein in the Free State 
Province, using township maps obtained from the Bloemfontein Municipality were 
recruited to participate. Younger women were aged 25-34 years and older women 35-
44 years. Anthropometric and biochemical profiles were determined according to 
standard methods. From the original sample of 500 women, 496 were eligible to 
participate. Of the younger women 30.1% and of the older women 27.7% were 
overweight, while 23.3% of younger women and 24% of older women had a body 
mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2
, indicating obesity. Most women had a waist-hip ratio 
(WHR) <0.8, indicating gynoid fat distribution. The majority of women from both 
age groups had a body fat percentage >25% (92.5% and 94% respectively of younger 
and older women). Of the younger women 6.8% and of the older women 13.8% had 
triglyceride (TG) levels higher than the reference range. Total cholesterol levels fell 
within the reference range for 79.8% of the younger women and 71.3% of the older 
women. Glucose and insulin levels were within reference ranges for most women of 
both age groups. A significant association was found between insulin sensitivity and 
BMI and between insulin sensitivity and TG levels in both age groups. No significant 
association was found between waist circumference and elevated glucose levels in 
both age groups. A significant difference between insulin sensitivity and WHR was 
observed in the older group of women. The prevalence of overweight and obesity 
reported in this population may pose a potential risk for the development of chronic 
diseases such as type 2 diabetes.