Relative Body Fat Distribution in Preadolescent Indian Children Exposed to a Natural Disaster during Early Development

Abstract

Fetal life and infancy are critical periods when adverse environmental conditions, such as natural disasters, may alter a developing organism, leading to life-lasting unfavorable health outcomes, such as central body fat distribution. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of the exposure to cyclone Aila in utero or during infancy on the relative subcutaneous adiposity distribution in preadolescent Indian children. The study included children prenatally (N = 336) or postnatally (during infancy, N = 212) exposed to Aila and a non-affected group (N = 284). Anthropometric indices involved, i.e., subscapular, suprailiac, triceps, and biceps skinfolds. The relative adiposity distribution (PC1) and socioeconomic status (SES) were assessed using principal component analysis. An analysis of covariance and Tukey’s post hoc test for unequal samples were performed to assess the effect of exposure to a natural disaster on the PC1, controlling for age, sex, Z-BMI, and SES. Prenatally and postnatally Aila-exposed children revealed a significantly more central-oriented pattern of relative subcutaneous fat distribution compared to the controls (p < 0.05). Early-life exposure to a natural disaster was related to an adverse pattern of relative adipose tissue distribution in preadolescent children.