Relationship of visceral adiposity index (VAI) and visceral body fat among metabolically obese normal weight individuals from Pakistan

Abstract

Background

An increasing number of people throughout the world are suffering with visceral obesity. Accumulation of visceral fat is a pathogenic manifestation of global fat dysfunction, that leads to inflammation, atherosclerosis, abnormal lipid levels, and high blood pressure.

Methods

This association study was conducted at Department of Medicine, Mayo Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. 30 participants who meet the selection criteria were recruited after taking written consent. Then patients were evaluated for their height, weight and waist circumference body mass index. Visceral fat was calculated by using machine for bio-impendence analysis. Visceral adiposity index was calculated. 5 cc venous blood sample was' collected under aseptic measures and all samples were sent to the hospital's laboratory for assessment of lipid profile and blood sugar levels.

Results

We have studied 30 patients (43.8 % female and 56.3 % male), mean age of study population calculated was 40.6 ± 11.80 years. The mean Visceral Body Fat was found to be 13.53 ± 1.41, High-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol mean calculated was 36.91 ± 9.18 mg/dL, and mean Visceral Adiposity Index calculated was 16.75 ​± ​7.55. Pearson Correlation was used, to find correlation between Visceral Adiposity Index and Visceral Body fat. The value turned out to be 00.899∗∗ shows positive correlation, p-value was 0. 001 significant.

Conclusion

In this study we found positive correlation of visceral adiposity index and visceral body fat by use of Bio impedance analysis machine among metabolically obese normal weight individuals. Visceral adiposity index requires many blood tests while Bio impedance analysis machine can be used in simple outdoor settings hence, we can isolate high risk patient in outdoor settings without any invasive procedures or laboratory investigations.