It has been reported that the diet of rural women in most African
countries differs considerably from that of their urban counterparts,
with the urban diet composed of more refined carbohydrates and fatty
food. This study examines anthropometric and biochemical profiles and
the association between these parameters in pre-menopausal,
post-pubertal black South African women. A representative sample of 500
participants, randomly selected in Mangaung, Bloemfontein in the Free
State Province, using township maps obtained from the Bloemfontein
Municipality were recruited to participate. Younger women were aged
25-34 years and older women 35-44 years. Anthropometric and biochemical
profiles were determined according to standard methods. From the
original sample of 500 women, 496 were eligible to participate. Of the
younger women 30.1% and of the older women 27.7% were overweight, while
23.3% of younger women and 24% of older women had a body mass index
(BMI) ³30 kg/m2, indicating obesity. Most women had a waist-hip
ratio (WHR) <0.8, indicating gynoid fat distribution. The majority
of women from both age groups had a body fat percentage >25% (92.5%
and 94% respectively of younger and older women). Of the younger women
6.8% and of the older women 13.8% had triglyceride (TG) levels higher
than the reference range. Total cholesterol levels fell within the
reference range for 79.8% of the younger women and 71.3% of the older
women. Glucose and insulin levels were within reference ranges for most
women of both age groups. A significant association was found between
insulin sensitivity and BMI and between insulin sensitivity and TG
levels in both age groups. No significant association was found between
waist circumference and elevated glucose levels in both age groups. A
significant difference between insulin sensitivity and WHR was observed
in the older group of women. The prevalence of overweight and obesity
reported in this population may pose a potential risk for the
development of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes