Value of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry derived parameters vs anthropometric obesity indices in the assessment of early atherosclerosis in abdominally obese men

SummaryObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) derived parameters vs anthropometric obesity indices in the assessment of early atherosclerosis in abdominally obese men.MethodsThis case–control study included 44 abdominally obese men (waist circumference ≥ 90 cm) and 30 non-abdominally obese men (waist circumference < 90 cm) who were between 20 and 50 years of age. All subjects were of the Han ethnicity. The carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was used as a surrogate marker of early atherosclerosis. In the first multiple linear regression model, body fat distribution was assessed by anthropometric obesity indices, while in the second one it was quantified by DEXA-derived parameters.ResultsCIMT (0.74 ± 0.11 vs 0.67 ± 0.04 mm) were significantly higher in the abdominally obese men than in the non-abdominally obese men (P < 0.01). CIMT was positively correlated with anthropometric obesity indices (r: 0.352–0.488, P < 0.01) and the indices from DEXA(r: 0.244–0.482, P < 0.05). The correlation coefficients of anthropometric obesity indices and the indices from DEXA were highest for waist to height ratio and trunk fat mass, respectively. In model 1, 23.8% of the total variance of CIMT was due to waist to height ratio. In model 2, trunk fat mass explained 23.2% of the total variance of CIMT.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates the importance of characterizing body fat distribution in identifying early atherosclerosis. Body fat distribution evaluated by dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry was associated with CIMT, but was not superior to anthropometric measurements.