Table 1.
Clinical characteristics of the study groups.
| Normal Weight | Overweight | Obese | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number | 45 | 30 | 45 |
| Males (%): Females (%) | 18 (40 %):27 (60 %) | 20 (67 %):10 (33 %) * | 21 (47 %):24 (53 %) |
| Age (years) | 42 ± 2 | 48 ± 2 | 45 ± 2 |
| BMI (kg/m2) | 21.7 ± 0.33 | 27.4 ± 0.24 * | 34.6 ± 0.7 *,# |
| Waist circumference (cm) 1 | |||
| Males | 89.4 ± 2 | 96.8 ± 1.9 * | 111.3 ± 1.9 *,# |
| Females | 72.9 ± 1.8 | 92.9 ± 3 * | 107.2 ± 1.9 *,# |
| Waist circumference (cm) 2 | |||
| Males | 89.4 ± 2.3 | 102 ± 2.2 * | 116.5 ± 2.17 *,# |
| Females | 82.7 ± 2.4 | 99.1 ± 3.9 * | 112.8 ± 2.6 *,# |
| Hip circumference (cm) | 94 ± 1.3 | 104.9 ± 1.6 * | 118.7 ± 1.3 *,# |
| Neck circumference (cm) | |||
| Males | 38.8 ± 0.6 | 40.7 ± 0.6 | 44.8 ± 0.6 *,# |
| Females | 32.7 ± 0.6 | 35.5 ± 0.9 * | 39.3 ± 0.6 *,# |
| Liver steatosis, prevalence (%) | 2 (4%) | 23 (77%) * | 44 (98%) *,# |
| Degree of liver steatosis | 0 ± 0.08 | 0.9 ± 0.02 * | 1.8 ± 0.08 *,# |
| Inadequate adherence to Mediterranean Diet, prevalence (%) | 7 (16%) | 6 (20%) | 14 (31%) * |
Data expressed as mean ± SEM. Differences tested by one-way ANOVA or Chi-square test. Significance levels: * p < 0.05 vs. normal weight; # p < 0.05 vs. overweight. 1 According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF); 2 according to Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII).