A Body Shape Index (ABSI) Is Independently Associated with High Fasting Glucose and Other Metabolic Syndrome Components in Caucasians

A novel Body Shape Index (ABSI, waist circumference (WC)/BMI 2/3 Height 1/2) has been recently identified as a risk factor for premature mortality in the NHANES population. However, limited research on the association of ABSI with the metabolic syndrome (MS) components is available. We investigated the contribution of ABSI to high fasting glucose and other MS components, independently of sex, age and BMI, with a cross-sectional analysis of 6081 Caucasians (18-87 yr, 72% females) followed as outpatients at a Nutritional Research Centre in Milan (ICANS). Biochemical parameters of MS were measured enzymatically. MS was diagnosed using the harmonized international definition. ABSI association with binary outcomes (high triglycerides, blood pressure, fasting glucose and low HDL) were analyzed by generalized linear models (GLMs). Median BMI was 28.7 kg -2 (25.4-32.7), 20.4%, 39.7% and 39,9% subjects were normal weight, overweight and obese, respectively. High WC, triglycerides, blood pressure, fasting glucose and low HDL were detected in 63.6%, 17.4%, 17,0%, 44.3% and 28.7%, respectively. MS was present in 27.0%. ABSI was independently associated to all the outcomes of interest. In conclusion, high fasting glucose and the other MS components are independently associated with ABSI in a large population at different levels of nutritional status.