Age-stratified Characterization of Body Composition and Biochemical Profiles in Cardiometabolic Risk Assessment

Cardiometabolic risk (CMR), encompassing metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, represents a major public health challenge in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where overweight and obesity prevalence is high.

The study aimed to: a) examine the prevalence of three or more metabolic risk factors in relation to age; b) analyze biochemical parameters, lipid indices, and body composition indices in association with cardiometabolic risk (QRISK3); and c) identify age-specific thresholds for elevated risk.

A cross-sectional, observational, descriptive-analytical study included 203 working-age participants (≤49, 50-54, 55-59, ≥60 years). The research instruments included: laboratory analysis, anthropometric and body composition parameters, and the Q3 risk calculator.

The prevalence of three or more metabolic risk factors increased with age, from <49 years to ≥60 years. Younger participants exhibited lower HDL and higher visceral fat, whereas older groups showed elevated glucose, ALT, and AST (p<0.05). The Q3 risk score increased significantly across age groups (median 8.15 to 24.80; p<0.001). Visceral fat, BMI, and body fat percentage emerged as strong predictors of risk in younger and middle-aged adults.

Cardiometabolic risk develops already in early adulthood. Age-specific thresholds for visceral fat and biochemical markers may improve risk stratification, highlighting the importance of early screening and preventive interventions.