The utility of visceral fat level measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis in predicting metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Background: Visceral adipose tissue dysfunction contributes to metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to investigate the association between visceral fat level measured by bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) and MetS.

Material and methods: This cross-sectional study recruited Taiwanese volunteers aged ≥20 years between 2012 and 2014. Anthropometric measurements and plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles were collected after at least 8 h of fasting. Insulin resistance was calculated by the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Visceral fat level (VFL, ranges: 1-59) and trunk fat percentage were measured through by the Body Composition Analyzer TANITA AB 140 Viscan.

Results: A total of 1086 volunteers (mean age = 44.2 ± 13.2 years) were enrolled. Multiple regression analyses showed that triglycerides levels and blood pressure increased while high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol decreased with VFL in both genders (p < 0.05). Increased HOMA-IR and VFL had a synergistic effect on MetS. Higher VFL was independently associated with MetS in both men (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.19-1.48) and women (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.17-1.39).

Conclusions: Higher VFL is associated with MetS and its components. The portable BIA machine is easily applicable and useful tool to measure visceral fat in the community setting.

Keywords: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA); Metabolic syndrome; Obesity; Visceral fat level.