(P18-017-24) Visceral Adiposity Index as a Predictor for Metabolic Syndrome in a Cohort of Older Adults With Obesity

Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiometabolic-related conditions occurring together with obesity. Visceral adiposity is a risk factor for MetS, but because visceral adipose tissue can be difficult and expensive to measure directly, the visceral adiposity index (VAI) can be calculated from commonly available clinical measures to estimate the presence and dysfunction of this adiposity depot. While VAI and MetS use metabolic measures for calculation, other indices used as cardiometabolic health proxies do not take into account circulating biomarkers. These indices include body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), weight-adjusted waist index (WWI), body roundness index (BRI), and body shape index (ABSI). This study assessed the role of VAI and other cardiometabolic-associated indices of body composition to predict MetS among older adults with obesity.

Methods: This cross-sectional secondary data analysis used baseline data from 163 older adults with obesity participating in the Calorie Restriction in Overweight SeniorS Study, a clinical trial for weight loss. MetS was quantified using National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. VAI was calculated using WC, BMI, and serum levels of triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein. Other indices included WHtR, WWI, BRI, and ABSI. Correlations with MetS were evaluated, and logistic regression was used to assess indices as continuous variables against MetS presence using the following models: model 1- gender, race, age; model 2 including variables of model 1, number of blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes medications; model 3 including variables of models 1 and 2, serum glucose, cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and blood pressure.

Results: Among correlations of all indices and MetS, VAI had the only significant association (r=0.617, p< 0.001). Regression analyses showed VAI was significantly associated with MetS in all models. WHtR, BRI, and WC were significantly associated with MetS in models one and two (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Compared to other adiposity indices, VAI was more highly associated with MetS. Further research is needed to develop population-specific VAI cut-points before being used in clinical settings.

Funding Sources: N/A