Different types of Mizaj (temperament) in relation with body composition in overweight and obese women: Avicenna's opinion

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine different types of Mizaj and their association with body composition in overweight and obese women. In this cross-sectional study, 135 overweight and obese women aged 18-30 yrs old were recruited from April to June 2013 in Tabriz-Iran. Weight, height and body composition (fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM) and total body water (TBW)) were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Determination of Mizaj type (Safravi, Saudavi, Damavi, Balghami) was performed with face to face interview by traditional medicine specialist. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 16.0. P<0.05 was considered significant. Mean age and BMI of participants were 25.5آ±3 yrs and 33آ±4.3kg/m2, respectively. Frequencies of subjects with Safravi, Saudavi, Damavi and Balghami temperaments were 31, 14, 47.4 and 7.4%, respectively. Most participants had Mizaj of Dam. No significant differences were observed in body weight and BMI values among different types of Mizaj (p>0.05 in both variables), but comparison percentage of FM among women, indicated significant differences between %FM in women with Mizaj of Sauda and Dam (P<0.01). However, further studies are needed to clarify association between type of Mizaj with weight and body composition. é 2015, National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR). All rights reserved.