Int J Sports Med 2022; 43(01): 41-45
DOI: 10.1055/a-1518-8003
Physiology & Biochemistry

Abdominal Adiposity in Collegiate Football Linemen: A Study of Race and Position

Malia N.M. Blue
1   Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, United States
,
Katie R. Hirsch
2   Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, United States
,
Gabrielle J. Brewer
3   Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, United States
,
Abbie E. Smith-Ryan
4   Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

American football linemen are at an increased risk for developing obesity-related diseases. This study evaluated the impact of race and position on abdominal fat (visceral adipose tissue and android fat percentage) in football linemen. Thirty-four offensive and defensive linemen (%fat: 27.1±7.2%) completed a total body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan to estimate visceral fat and android fat percentage. Participants were stratified by race [Black: n=23; White: n=11] and position (Offense: n=18; Defense: n=16). Two separate two-way ANOVA tests [race × position] were completed. For visceral adipose tissue, there was no interaction (p=0.056), but there was an effect of race (Black: 0.57±0.34 kg; White: 1.51±0.56 kg; p <0.001) and position (Offense: 1.22±0.60 kg; Defense: 0.49±0.34 kg; p<0.001). For android fat percentage, there was no interaction (p=0.855) or race effect (Black: 31.5±11.3%; White: 40.9±8.6%; p=0.123); there was a position effect (Offense: 42.1±5.6%; Defense: 26.0±9.9%; p<0.001). Offensive linemen, regardless of race, had greater visceral adipose tissue and android fat percent compared to defensive linemen. White linemen had greater visceral adipose tissue, regardless of position. These results suggest football linemen, especially offensive linemen with increased abdominal adiposity, may benefit from tracking metabolic health during their collegiate career to mitigate obesity-related disease risk once retired from sport.



Publication History

Received: 31 December 2020

Accepted: 13 May 2021

Article published online:
12 July 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 
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