FAT DISTRIBUTION IN CUBAN INFANTS

Fatness and relative fat distribution of 505 infants from the city of Havana were identified by principal components analysis of four skinfo lds. The first principal component accounts for 59-62% of the variance and represents overall fatness; the other components contrast trunk-e xtremity and upper-lower body fat. Principal component scores were als o correlated with different anthropometric variables. Estimated fat ar eas and an energy/protein index are the best indicators of fatness, bu t indices of fat distribution and skinfold ratios are more representat ive of fat patterning. Nutritional status is related to fatness, but n ot to fat distribution. Age and race of the infants are independent of fatness and fat distribution. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.