Predictive models for estimating visceral fat: The contribution from anthropometric parameters

Abstract

BackgroundExcessive adipose visceral tissue (AVT) represents an independent risk factor for cardiometabolic alterations. The search continues for a highly valid marker for estimating visceral adiposity that is a simple and low cost tool able to screen individuals who are highly at risk of being viscerally obese. The aim of this study was to develop a predictive model for estimating AVT volume using anthropometric parameters.ObjectiveExcessive adipose visceral tissue (AVT) represents an independent risk factor for cardiometabolic alterations. The search continues for a highly valid marker for estimating visceral adiposity that is a simple and low cost tool able to screen individuals who are highly at risk of being viscerally obese. The aim of this study was to develop a predictive model for estimating AVT volume using anthropometric parameters.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving overweight individuals whose AVT was evaluated (using computed tomography–CT), along with the following anthropometric parameters: body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference (AC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHpR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), sagittal diameter (SD), conicity index (CI), neck circumference (NC), neck-to-thigh ratio (NTR), waist-to-thigh ratio (WTR), and body adiposity index (BAI).Results109 individuals with an average age of 50.3±12.2 were evaluated. The predictive equation developed to estimate AVT in men was AVT = -1647.75 +2.43(AC) +594.74(WHpR) +883.40(CI) (R2 adjusted: 64.1%). For women, the model chosen was: AVT = -634.73 +1.49(Age) +8.34(SD) + 291.51(CI) + 6.92(NC) (R2 adjusted: 40.4%). The predictive ability of the equations developed in relation to AVT volume determined by CT was 66.9% and 46.2% for males and females, respectively (p<0.001).ConclusionsA quick and precise AVT estimate, especially for men, can be obtained using only AC, WHpR, and CI for men, and age, SD, CI, and NC for women. These equations can be used as a clinical and epidemiological tool for overweight individuals.

A relação pescoço-coxa (RPCx) pode servir como índice antropométrico para diagnosticar a síndrome metabólica?

“…In addition, the correlation of anthropometric markers has also been the focus of investigations that point out cardio metabolic risks. (1,7,15,21,(25)(26) Th is study showed that NTR is not the most appropriate measure to estimate MS in a popula- tion of Brazilian university students. However, NC and TC have been shown to be useful in predicting metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunctions related to the progression of diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerotic disease, systemic arterial hypertension, or others involving the accumulation of visceral and subcutaneous adiposity, infl uencing the development of components for MS. (27)(28)(29)(30) In the analysis of the correlation between NTR and MS componentes, it was observed that the establishment of this anthropometric index has a positive impact with almost all, being an excellent indicator of risk through these biomarkers.…”

“…The accumulation of fat located in the central, peripheral, visceral or subcutaneous region is strongly associated with the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemias and coronary diseases, among others closely related to the progression of a group of dysfunctions that determine the Metabolic Syndrome (MS) -a complex disorder represented by a set of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors related to fat accumulation and insulin resistance. (1)(2)(3) Although university life offers positive educational resources and opportunities that lead to healthy habits, the behaviors presented by university students have been mostly negative and associated with weight gain, higher alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle and non-nutritive diets, ideal for the accumulation of obesity and cardiovascular risks for chronic diseases. (4) The question is: what kind of interventions are needed for this population?…”

“…In this direction, it is indisputable that obesity prevails as one of the determining conditions for the appearance of MS, and, therefore, researchers have shown an interest in anthropometric markers and indexes that measure the concentration of fat in body regions different from the usual ones. (1,5,6) We highlight the accumulation of subcutaneous fat of the upper and lower trunk, measured by neck circumference (NC) and thigh circumference (TC), respectively. Studies have shown that, individually, the estimates drawn by NC and TC are capable of indicating risks for the development of chronic diseases, being better than other known anthropometric measures, such as body mass index (BMI).…”

Comparison of anthropometric indices for predicting the risk of metabolic syndrome in older adults

“…Studies have shown that abdominal obesity that is assessed based on waist circumference can play a crucial role in the development of metabolic diseases [16]. Waist circumference provides a better estimate of visceral fat and can be used as an alternative marker for abdominal fat mass [17]. Waist-to-height ratio is another index for measurement of obesity and is used to predict metabolic risks [14].…”

Novel and traditional anthropometric indices for identifying metabolic syndrome in non-overweight/obese adults

“…Visceral fat plays a critical role in MetS pathogenesis (10). Since visceral fat is mainly concentrated in the abdomen, for a long time, people have simply screened and managed visceral obesity through central obesity anthropometric indices, such as waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and WHtR (11). However, some studies found that these indices provide limited information about fat distribution.…”