Effect of truncal adiposity on plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of body fat distribution on plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in healthy individuals.

Subjects were 290 women and 223 men aged 20-66 years old. Lipid panels were obtained and truncal adiposity measurements were determined by total body dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Physical activity was measured using a modification of the Seven Day Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire and dietary intake was collected by 24-hour recall. General linear models were used with covariates included.

Percent of total body fat in the trunk had the strongest correlation to the android/gynoid regional fat mass ratio determined by regional DXA analyses in both women (r2=0.97, p < 0.001) and men (r2=0.93, p < 0.001). Total cholesterol (r=0.134, p < 0.05), LDL (r=0.140, p < 0.05), HDL (r= -0.181, p < 0.001), total cholesterol to HDL ratio (r=0.240, p < 0.001) and triglyceride (r=0.300, p < 0.001) concentrations had the strongest correlation to percent of total body fat in the trunk in women. Total cholesterol (r= 0.151, p < 0.05), total cholesterol to HDL ratio (r=0.216, p < 0.001), and triglyceride (r=0.227, p < 0.001) concentrations had the strongest correlation to percent of total body fat located in the trunk among men.

Lipid profiles, consistent with increased cardiovascular risk, were associated with percent of total body fat in the trunk independent of lifestyle factors.