ASFmeter: A Portable A-Mode Ultrasound Device for Abdominal Subcutaneous Fat Thickness Measurement

Background: Obesity is a global health concern linked to an elevated risk of chronic diseases. Abdominal subcutaneous fat (ASF) thickness serves as a key indicator for obesity assessment; however, existing measurement methods often lack simplicity and accessibility. Methods: We developed the ASFmete...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hongyang Zhao, Ran Liu, Guangfei Li, Zhou Zhang, Yanxin Wang, Man Ji, Lin Yang, Dongmei Hao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Bioengineering
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/12/6/567
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Summary:Background: Obesity is a global health concern linked to an elevated risk of chronic diseases. Abdominal subcutaneous fat (ASF) thickness serves as a key indicator for obesity assessment; however, existing measurement methods often lack simplicity and accessibility. Methods: We developed the ASFmeter, a portable, low-cost A-mode ultrasound device designed for rapid ASF thickness measurement. Forty participants underwent ASF thickness assessment using both the ASFmeter and a conventional B-mode ultrasound system, demonstrating strong agreement (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.94, SEE = 1.72 mm). Statistical analyses evaluated correlations between ASF thickness and body weight, abdominal circumference, and body mass index (BMI). Results: the ASFmeter exhibited high consistency with B-mode ultrasound measurements, confirming its accuracy. Significant variations in ASF thickness were observed across BMI groups, supporting its utility as a reliable obesity indicator. Conclusions: the ASFmeter offers a user-friendly, portable, and cost-effective solution for ASF measurement, facilitating personal health monitoring and obesity-related risk assessment. This innovation holds promise for widespread application in home-based health management.
ISSN:2306-5354