Body fat distribution and uterine leiomyomas.

Purpose: Investigation of the etiological relationship between body fat and uterine leiomyomas.

Settings: This was a case-control study. Percent body fat was measured bioelectrically with a body fat analyzer.

Subjects: In Sapporo City, Japan, 100 women with uterine leiomyomas (pathologically diagnosed) and 200 controls who were confirmed to have no uterine leiomyomas by clinical examination.

Results: Among the four types classified by BMI (over/under 24.0) and percent body fat (over/under 30%), the occult obesity type (BMI < 24.0 and percent body fat > or = 30%) had the highest risk. There were no patients of muscular type (BMI > or = 24.0 and percent body fat < 30%). Women with more than 0.80 of waist-to-hip ratio were also at significantly higher risk.

Conclusions: Occult obesity and upper body fat distribution may lead to the development of uterine leiomyomas.