The Liver Fat Fraction and Abdominal Subcutaneous and Visceral Fat Volume Distribution in Normal-Weight, Overweight, and Obese Children Using a New Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technique

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate liver fat fraction and subcutaneous and visceral fat volumes using new magnetic resonance imaging in normal-weight, overweight, and obese children. METHODS: Patients at below the 85th percentile of body mass index (BMI) z score (5/25 patients) were assigned to the normal-weight group; patients between 85th and 95th percentile of BMI z score (9/25 patients) were assigned to the overweight group, and patients above the 95th percentile of BMI z score (11/25 patients) were assigned to the obese group. Liver fat fraction and subcutaneous and visceral fat volumes were measured on 3-dimensional volume measurement workstation. RESULTS: Liver fat fraction and subcutaneous fat volume had weak correlation (r = 0.18, P = 0.411). Liver fat fraction and visceral fat volume revealed weak correlation (r = 0.25, P = 0.672); visceral and subcutaneous fat volume demonstrated strong correlation (r = 0.67, P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: There is strong correlation between subcutaneous fat volume and visceral fat volume in overweight and obese children.