Visceral Adiposity Index

TLDR

The study aims to develop a sex‑specific visceral adiposity index (VAI) derived from waist circumference, BMI, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol to reflect visceral fat function. VAI was modeled in 315 non‑obese healthy subjects and then retrospectively validated in 1,498 primary‑care patients using multiple logistic regression against conventional cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk factors. Higher VAI quintiles were linked to greater metabolic syndrome components, independently predicted cardiovascular (OR 2.45) and cerebrovascular (OR 1.63) events, and inversely correlated with insulin sensitivity, whereas waist circumference and BMI showed no such associations, underscoring VAI as a marker of visceral adipose function and cardiometabolic risk.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To individuate a novel sex-specific index, based on waist circumference, BMI, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol, indirectly expressing visceral fat function. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Visceral adiposity index (VAI) was first modeled on 315 nonobese healthy subjects. Using two multiple logistic regression models, VAI was retrospectively validated in 1,498 primary care patients in comparison to classical cardio- and cerebrovascular risk factors. RESULTS All components of metabolic syndrome increased significantly across VAI quintiles. VAI was independently associated with both cardiovascular (odd ratio [OR] 2.45; 95% CI 1.52–3.95; P < 0.001) and cerebrovascular (1.63; 1.06–2.50; P = 0.025) events. VAI also showed significant inverse correlation with insulin sensitivity during euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp in a subgroup of patients (Rs = −0.721; P < 0.001). By contrast, no correlations were found for waist circumference and BMI. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests VAI is a valuable indicator of “visceral adipose function” and insulin sensitivity, and its increase is strongly associated with cardiometabolic risk.