Comparison of adiposity indices and cut-off values in the prediction of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women

Aims: To compare adiposity indices and to assess their various cut-off values for the prediction of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal women.

Methods: One hundred forty nine volunteers (67.17±6.12 years) underwent body composition assessment using DXA and had 5 anthropometric indices measured (Waist Circumference, WC; Waist-to-Height Ratio, WHtR; Body Mass Index, BMI; Body Adiposity Index, BAI; and Conicity Index). Blood pressure was assessed using an oscillometric device and fasting blood samples were collected. MetS was classified according NCEP-ATP III. Cut-off values to predict MetS were obtained using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analyses and odds ratios were also calculated.

Results: MetS prevalence was 29.5% and subjects who were classified with MetS showed worse cardiometabolic outcomes and higher anthropometric indices values (p<0.05). With the exception of total- and LDL-cholesterol, all remaining variables were significantly correlated with at least one of the adiposity indices, with the strongest relationships observed for the indices reflecting central body fat. The cut-off values were 88cm, 0.57cm/cm, 26.85kg/m(2), 43.7%, 36.34%, and 1.24 units for WC, WHtR, BMI, DXA-derived body fat percentage, BAI, and conicity index, respectively. Significant greater risks for MetS were found for volunteers who had WHtR (odds=9.08; CI: 1.81-45.47) or WC (odds=5.20; CI: 1.30-20.73) measurements above cut-off values.

Conclusion: Adiposity indices are associated with MetS in postmenopausal women in different degrees. Indices which consider central adiposity such as WC and WHtR have a stronger relationship with MetS compared to DXA-derived body fat percentage, which is considered a gold standard.