This study aimed to investigate the relationship between visceral fat area (VFA) and hyperuricemia (HUA) among non-obese adults. We extracted data from 6224 US adults aged 20−59 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011−2018. The VFA was divided into four quartiles (Q1−Q4). We used multivariable logistic regression models to control for known confounders. A generalized additive model (GAM) and restricted cubic spines were used to examine the association between VFA and HUA stratified by sex, and a two-piecewise linear regression model was used to calculate the threshold effect among males. The results revealed that the prevalence of HUA was 11.8% (men 15.8%, women 7.2%). In the fully adjusted model, there was a positive association between VFA and HUA [as a quartile variable, Q4 vs. Q1, odds ratio (OR): 3.77 and 95% confidence interval (CI): (2.47~5.75), p < 0.001, p for trend < 0.001; as a continuous variable, per 10 cm2 increment, OR (95%CI):1.10(1.07,1.14), p < 0.001]. Besides, this positive association remained significantly stratified by sex. Interestingly, we observed a nonlinear dose-response relationship between VFA and HUA in males (inflection point: 107.46 cm2). In conclusion, our study confirmed a significant positive relationship between VFA and HUA among non-obese adults and remained statistically significant when stratified by sex.
Keywords: NHANES; hyperuricemia; uric acid; visceral fat area.