Age-Related Trends in Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry-Measured Adiposity and Their Clinical Relevance: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study of Korean Peri- and Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Body composition changes with aging and menopause, often leading to increased adiposity and a shift in fat distribution. While BMI is commonly used in clinical practice, it does not accurately reflect fat mass or distribution. This study aims to evaluate age-related changes in both total and regional adiposity using DXA-derived indices in Korean women aged ≥ 40 years and to assess the limitations of BMI-based obesity classification. Materials and Methods: This retrospective multicenter study analyzed the DXA scans and clinical records of 914 Korean women aged 40-80 years who attended menopause clinics across multiple institutions between 2018 and 2021. We analyzed five adiposity indices: body mass index (BMI), total body fat percentage (TB%F), fat mass index (FMI), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area, and android-to-gynoid (A/G) fat ratio. Excess adiposity was defined as BMI ≥ 23 kg/m², TB%F ≥ 40%, FMI ≥ 9 kg/m², VAT > 100 cm², or A/G ratio > 1.0. Age group comparisons were made using ANOVA, and misclassification was assessed by comparing BMI with other indices. Results: Mean BMI increased with age, peaking in the 60s before declining in the 70s. TB%F and FMI peaked in the 50s, while VAT and A/G ratio increased continuously with age. Excess adiposity was found in 41.9% of women by TB%F, 40.5% by FMI, and 59.4% by VAT in the 70s. Notably, 22% of women with normal BMI (<23 kg/m²) had VAT > 100 cm², and 35.7% had A/G > 1.0, indicating central obesity. Conclusions: DXA-based indices provide a more accurate assessment of adiposity and associated cardiometabolic risks in aging women than BMI alone. Clinical screening strategies should consider incorporating regional fat distribution markers, particularly in midlife and postmenopausal populations, to better identify individuals at risk.

Keywords: abdominal fat; absorptiometry; adiposity; body composition; menopause.