Sexually dimorphic human body fat distribution and second-to-fourth digit ratio

Year 2012, Volume: 3 Issue: 2, 54 - 62, 10.02.2013

Berna Ertuğrul

Abstract

Since second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) measures might afford a window into the prenatal
environment in terms of testosterone exposure, many researchers are focused to find out the
relations between sexually dimorphic characteristics and 2D:4D. Aim of this study is to find
out whether there is a relation between sexually dimorphic subcutaneous fat distribution and
2D:4D. Height, weight and skinfold thickness (SFT) were measured in 120 male and 120
female university students. Trunk SFT (sum of subscapular and supraspinale) and limb SFT
(sum of triceps, biceps and calf) was used as the absolute amount of the trunk and limb fat,
respectively. Limb / trunk fat ratio were used as the indices for the relative distribution of fat
mass in the trunk and limbs. The length of index and ring fingers of the participants was
measured to the nearest 0.01 mm using Vernier caliper, directly on fingers. As a result
correspondingly to the feminine 2D:4D in both hands of men and in the right hand for
women; body fat distribution gets feminine. There was no relationship between total fatness
and 2D:4D for either sex. These findings could mean that sexually dimorphic body fat
distribution is closely related not only to postnatal but also to prenatal steroid levels.

Keywords

Digit ratio, 2D:4 ratio, body fat distribution, sexual dimorphism

References

• Baker F. (1888) Anthropological notes on the human hand. Am Anthropol 1:51-75.