This observational cross-sectional study classified participants into obesity classes (Class I: BMI 30.0-34.9, Class II: 35.0-39.9, Class III: ≥40.0 kg/m²) based on WHO criteria. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were used to calculate a wide range of obesity-related and cardiometabolic risk indices. The aim was to analyze whether these indices could effectively predict the presence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), as defined by the NCEP-ATP III criteria.
In this study, a comprehensive set of anthropometric, biochemical, and derived indices was utilized to assess the relationship between obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) beyond the scope of traditional measures. While Body Mass Index (BMI) served as the primary criterion for general obesity classification, it was complemented by additional indices that are considered more reflective of fat distribution and visceral adiposity. These included the Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR), Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHpR), Body Adiposity Index (BAI), and Conicity Index (COI), all of which provide greater specificity in evaluating central obesity-a key factor in cardiometabolic risk. To capture the metabolic dimension of obesity, biochemical indices such as the Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) index were calculated, as this marker has been shown to correlate strongly with early insulin resistance and glucose homeostasis disruption. Additionally, the Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP), which combines waist circumference and triglyceride levels, was employed to estimate the extent of visceral fat accumulation and its associated metabolic burden. To further investigate cardiovascular and atherogenic risk, several lipid-based indices were assessed, including the Atherogenic Coefficient (AC), Atherogenic Plasma Index (API), the Triglyceride-to-HDL cholesterol (TG/HDL) ratio, non-HDL cholesterol, and the Cholindex. The inclusion of these diverse indices allowed for a more nuanced and multidimensional evaluation of the associations between obesity phenotypes and MetS status, with the aim of identifying reliable predictors beyond conventional clinical parameters.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
332
Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Health Research and Application Hospital
Tokat Province, Turkey (Türkiye)
Body Mass Index (BMI) was used to classify levels of obesity.
BMI is an anthropometric parameter obtained by dividing body weight in kilograms by the square of height in metres (kg/m²). According to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, individuals with a BMI of less than 18.5 kg/m² are underweight; those with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m² are of normal weight; those with a BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m² are overweight (pre-obese); and those with a BMI between 30.0 and 34.9 kg/m² are classified as class 1 obese (moderate); those between 35.0-39.9 kg/m² are class 2 obese (severe); and those ≥40.0 kg/m² are class 3 obese (morbid)
Time frame: Directly taken by trained staff during face-to-face assessments.
MetS was diagnosed according to National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria.
Five clinical parameters were evaluated accordingly: WC, FBG, HDLc, TG level and blood pressure. The following were accepted as components of MetS: WC≥102 cm in men and ≥88 cm in women; TG level ≥150 mg/dL; HDLc level \<40 mg/dL in men and \<50 mg/dL in women; blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg; and FBG level ≥100 mg/dL. Individuals were classified as MetS (+) if at least three of the five specified parameters met the diagnostic criteria and as MetS (-) if they did not.
Time frame: Anthropometric measurements were directly taken by trained staff during face-to-face assessments. Biochemical data were retrospectively obtained from hospital medical records.
Waist-to-Height Ratio
Waist Circumference (cm) / Height (cm)
Time frame: Directly taken by trained staff during face-to-face assessments.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Waist Circumference (cm) / Hip Circumference (cm)
Time frame: Directly taken by trained staff during face-to-face assessments.
Lipid Accumulation Product
For men: \[WC (cm) - 65\] × TG (mmol/L) For women: \[WC (cm) - 58\] × TG (mmol/L)
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Time frame: Anthropometric measurements were directly taken by trained staff during face-to-face assessments. Biochemical data were retrospectively obtained from hospital medical records.
Visceral Adiposity Index
For men: \[WC (cm) / (39.68 + (1.88 × BMI))\] × (TG / 1.03) × (1.31 / HDLc) For women: \[WC (cm) / (36.58 + (1.89 × BMI))\] × (TG / 0.81) × (1.52 / HDLc)
Time frame: Anthropometric measurements were directly taken by trained staff during face-to-face assessments. Biochemical data were retrospectively obtained from hospital medical records.
Conicity Index
WC (m) / \[0.109 × √(Weight (kg) / Height (m))\]
Time frame: Directly taken by trained staff during face-to-face assessments.
Body Adiposity Index
(Hip Circumference (cm) / \[Height (m)\]¹·⁵) - 18
Time frame: Directly taken by trained staff during face-to-face assessments.
Atherogenic Coefficient
(Total Cholesterol - HDLc) / HDLc
Time frame: Biochemical data were retrospectively obtained from hospital medical records.
Atherogenic Index of Plasma
log10 (TG / HDLc)
Time frame: Biochemical data were retrospectively obtained from hospital medical records.
TG/HDLc multiplied by Waist-to-Height Ratio combine index
(TG / HDLc) × WhtR
Time frame: Anthropometric measurements were directly taken by trained staff during face-to-face assessments. Biochemical data were retrospectively obtained from hospital medical records.
Triglyceride-Glucose Index
ln \[TG (mg/dL) × Fasting Glucose (mg/dL) / 2\]
Time frame: Biochemical data were retrospectively obtained from hospital medical records.