Clinical Research Directory

Comparison of Segmental Body Composition Characteristics in Lipedema and Obesity

The aim of this study is to compare the total and regional body composition characteristics of women with lipedema and women without lipedema who are matched for age and body mass index, as determined by the TANITA MC-580 segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device. In addition to total fat mass and fat percentage, fat mass, fat-free mass, and muscle mass measurements of the right and left legs, right and left arms, and trunk are planned to be evaluated. From these measurements, regional distribution indicators such as the proportion of lower extremity fat mass within total body fat, the leg-to-trunk fat ratio, the leg-to-arm fat ratio, and the leg muscle-to-fat ratio will be calculated. In addition, the study aims to examine the relationships between segmental body composition characteristics and disease type and stage, disease duration, pain severity, and lower extremity function in the lipedema group. Hypothesis: The proportion of total body fat located in the lower extremities is significantly higher in women with lipedema compared to women without lipedema matched for age and body mass index.

BMI Versus Body Fat Percentage - Which is the Better Predictor of Fertility Outcomes in IVF Cycles?

The goal of this prospective observational cohort study is to evaluate whether body composition measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) (including measures of body fat% and visceral fat) serve as a better predictor than body mass index (BMI) of outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Participants undergoing IVF will have body composition assessed using a BIA scale prior to treatment, including measurement of body fat percentage. Associations between BMI, BIA-derived body composition measures, and IVF treatment outcomes will be evaluated. Outcomes of interest include ovarian stimulation requirements, number of mature oocytes (eggs) retrieved, number of oocytes fertilized, and number and quality of embryos available for cryopreservation (freezing). Furthermore, ongoing pregnancy and miscarriage rates will be evaluated. The main question is to determine which of either BIA metrics or BMI are a better predictor of ongoing pregnancy or miscarriage rates. Furthermore, we would like to assess if there is an association between BIA metrics or BMI and the response to ovarian stimulation (egg recruitment), number and maturity rate of oocytes retrieved, number of oocytes fertilized and the number and quality of embryos available for cryopreservation. Participants will be asked to step on a BIA scale at the start of their cycle before taking medications to stimulate/recruit oocytes. This scale provides additional information on body fat % and visceral fat % in addition to body weight. The study aims to determine whether measures of adiposity obtained using BIA may provide a more informative assessment of the relationship between body composition and IVF outcomes than BMI alone.