The TyG Index and Obesity Indicators Predicting Low Muscle Mass in US Adults Without Diabetes: NHANES 2011-2018

Insulin resistance and obesity are critical determinants of low muscle mass. The main goal was to determine whether the reduced muscle mass in people without diabetes is correlated with the insulin resistance index and obesity indicators.

The data from NHANES 2011 to 2018 were analyzed to explore how the TyG index and obesity indices relate to low muscle mass. Associations were conducted using weighted logistic regression, RCS analysis, sensitivity analyses, and subgroup evaluations. In addition, the prediction capability of these indices was evaluated using ROC curve analysis and the AUC.

The TyG index (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.31-2.63, p = 0.001), TyG-WC (OR = 7.53, 95% CI: 5.49-10.30, p < 0.001), TyG-WHtR (OR = 10.40, 95% CI: 7.56-14.30, p < 0.001), and TyG-WWI (OR = 4.74, 95% CI: 3.41-6.57, p < 0.001) turned out to show a positive relationship with low muscle mass in nondiabetic adults. TyG-WHtR's higher discriminative performance has been proven by its AUC, which was 0.831 (95% CI: 0.814-0.848). The most appropriate threshold values were 4.932 for men and 5.031 for women aged ≥ 40 years, and 4.628 for men and 4.674 for women aged < 40 years.

The risk of insufficient muscle mass is increased in nondiabetic adults with higher values of TyG-obesity indicators (TyG-WC, TyG-WHtR, and TyG-WWI). TyG-WHtR possessed the best discriminative ability than other indicators.