Publication

MR-based fat fraction changes in subcutaneous adipose tissue in people with obesity undergoing a weight loss intervention: results from the LION study

2025

Abstract

Background: Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) plays a significant role in metabolic regulation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) can non-invasively measure proton density fat fraction (PDFF), providing quantitative methods for monitoring adipose tissue composition changes during obesity treatment. However, the comparative reliability of MRI versus MRS for evaluating SAT PDFF changes during weight loss, and the differential responses of superficial versus deep SAT depots, remain unclear. This study aimed to compare MRI and MRS methods in evaluating SAT PDFF variations in people with obesity before and after weight loss, compare PDFF changes between superficial and deep SAT, and examine associations with standard anthropometric markers. Methods: A human intervention study was conducted on adults with obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2] who underwent an 8-week low-calorie formula diet and completed an MRI scan (3T) before (n=127) and after dietary intervention (n=87). In addition, PDFF was measured in the superficial and deep abdominal SAT depots using MRI and single-voxel MRS. Intermethod and pre-/post-dietary PDFF analyses were conducted in comparison to anthropometric parameters (weight, BMI, and body fat percentage). Results: A short-term weight loss intervention significantly reduced SAT PDFF, as measured by MRI (r=0.41, P=0.01) and MRS (r=0.38, P=0.01). MRI and MRS measurements of SAT PDFF demonstrated strong agreement at baseline (r=0.67, P

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2025

Abstract

Official source

Related concepts (32)

Obesity

Obesity is a medical condition, sometimes considered a disease, in which excess body fat has accumulated to such an extent that it negatively affects health. People are classified as obese when their body mass index (BMI)—a person's weight divided by the square of the person's height—is over 30kg/m2; the range 25kg/m2 is defined as overweight. Some East Asian countries use lower values to calculate obesity.

Weight loss

Weight loss, in the context of medicine, health, or physical fitness, refers to a reduction of the total body mass, by a mean loss of fluid, body fat (adipose tissue), or lean mass (namely bone mineral deposits, muscle, tendon, and other connective tissue). Weight loss can either occur unintentionally because of malnourishment or an underlying disease, or from a conscious effort to improve an actual or perceived overweight or obese state.

Childhood obesity

Childhood obesity is a condition where excess body fat negatively affects a child's health or well-being. As methods to determine body fat directly are difficult, the diagnosis of obesity is often based on BMI. Due to the rising prevalence of obesity in children and its many adverse health effects it is being recognized as a serious public health concern. The term 'overweight' rather than 'obese' is often used when discussing childhood obesity, as it is less stigmatizing, although the term 'overweight' can also refer to a different BMI category.

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MR-based fat fraction changes in subcutaneous adipose tissue in people with obesity undergoing a weight loss intervention: results from the LION study

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