Comparison of DXA , bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) , and anthropometry for assessing subcutaneous, visceral, liver, and pancreas fat measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Authors' conclusion
Indices of abdominal adiposity (as indicated by DXA-derived visceral, trunk, and android fat and waist circumference) appeared highly reflective of MRI-determined visceral fat. Considering cost and accessibility, waist circumference may serve as the most appropriate surrogate for assessing visceral fat.
Study context
- Population
- White participants from the UK Biobank imaging visit27 indices
- Participants
- 18,622 participants
- Exposure
- DXA, BIA and anthropometric adiposity indices vs MRI-determined subcutaneous, visceral, liver and pancreas fat
- Outcome
- Pearson correlation and absolute agreement (ICC) of 27 standardised DXA, BIA and anthropometric indices with MRI-determined subcutaneous, visceral, liver and pancreas fat
Methodological detailsUK Biobank imaging visit, stratified by age and sex
- UK Biobank imaging visit
- Stratified by age and sex
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) with MRI visceral fat, DXA visceral, trunk and android fat
0.73-0.94
ICC with MRI visceral fat, waist circumference
0.73-0.77
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Comparison of DXA , BIA , and anthropometry for assessing subcutaneous, visceral, liver, and pancreas fat measured by MRI. Diabetes Obes Metab. Published 5 January 2026. doi:10.
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