Estimation of body fat mass using the CUN-BAE index and mortality risk by sex in the Asturias Study cohort

Endocrinol Diabetes Nutr (Engl Ed). 2019 Oct;66(8):487-494. doi: 10.1016/j.endinu.2019.02.008. Epub 2019 Apr 24.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: In epidemiological studies, excess body fat (BF) has been associated with cardiometabolic risk factors, some types of cancer, and other causes of death. A new anthropometric method has been defined: The CUN-BAE index (University of Navarra Clinic-Body Fat Estimator), which is based on BMI, sex, and age. BMI and CUN-BAE index were used to assess their contribution to mortality risk from any cause in the Asturias Study cohort.

Material and methods: The Asturias study is a cohort study including 1.034 individuals aged 30-75years who participated in the first study phase (1998-1999). The study included a clinical survey, physical examination, and an oral glucose tolerance test. Vital status was determined in the cohort after 18years of follow-up.

Results: Two hundred and four subjects died: 93 females and 111 males (16.6% and 23.5% respectively men). Baseline values of both BMI and %BF suggesting obesity (BMI>30kg/m2 and CUN-BAE >25% in males and >35% in females) were found in most subjects. After adjusting for T2DM, HBP, CVD, and tobacco, the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was significantly higher as CUN-BAE increased, especially in females.

Conclusions: The CUN-BAE equation is a useful tool, especially in females, to detect those who will have a greater risk of mortality, regardless of cardiovascular risk factors.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Diabetes tipo 2; Enfermedad cardiovascular; Epidemiology; Epidemiología; Fat body mass; Grasa corporal; Obesidad; Obesity; Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / anatomy & histology*
  • Adiposity*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / mortality
  • Cause of Death*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / epidemiology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / mortality
  • Female
  • Glucose Tolerance Test
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / mortality
  • Obesity / diagnosis
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / mortality
  • Overweight / epidemiology
  • ROC Curve
  • Regression Analysis
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Sex Distribution
  • Sex Factors*
  • Smoking / mortality
  • Spain / epidemiology