Comparison of body composition in female college students with different degrees of obesity

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Authors: Shiying Chen, Haitao Liu, Qingpan Wen, JinChen Chen, Huan Zhou
Cited by: 0
References: 36

Abstract

To investigate differences in body composition among female college students with varying BF% using DEXA, and to explore its potential implications for early obesity risk identification and targeted clinical intervention. A total 80 participants were divided into three groups according to BF% degrees: mild obesity group (BF% 30%-35%, N = 14), moderate obesity group (BF% 35%-40%, N = 38), and severe obesity group (BF% > 40%, N = 28). DEXA was used to assess body composition distribution in female college students with differing degrees of obesity. Within the cohort of female college students. With mild, moderate, and severe obesity groups, significant differences were observed in TFM, A/G, Android %fat, Gynoid %fat, AFM, GFM, VFA, VFM, VFV, SFA, SFM, and SFV (P < 0.05). These indicators showed an increasing trend from the mild obesity group to the moderate obesity group to the severe obesity group (P < 0.05). No significant changes were seen in TLM among the groups (P > 0.05). This study shows that BF% is a reliable and accurate measure for evaluating and classifying female obesity. As BF% degrees rise (mild, moderate, and severe obesity group), fat accumulation in specific areas significantly increases, while lean tissue shows no significant changes. The characteristics of alterations in body composition may adversely affect the general health of female college students.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Body Composition Measurement Techniques Obesity Physical Activity Diet Health and Lifestyle Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
Scientific Reports
Volume
16
Issue
1
Publication date
12 February 2026
Language
EN