Endocrines, Vol. 5, Pages 538-546: Exploring the Associations of Neck Circumference, Blood Pressure, CRP, and Insulin Resistance on the Visceral Adiposity Index: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study

Endocrines, Vol. 5, Pages 538-546: Exploring the Associations of Neck Circumference, Blood Pressure, CRP, and Insulin Resistance on the Visceral Adiposity Index: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study

Endocrines doi: 10.3390/endocrines5040039

Authors: Lucas Fornari Laurindo Francine Cruz Camargo Alessandra Perfeito Bruno Benedito Ciano Clara Tainá Coelho Gleice Assis Apolinário Isabela do Nascimento Vicentin Jéssica Cambui Andreasi Beatriz Leme Boaro Ricardo José Tofano Cláudia Rucco Penteado Detregiachi Jesselina Francisco dos Santos Haber Sandra Maria Barbalho Lance Alan Sloan Kátia Portero Sloan Antonelly Cassio Alves de Carvalho Marie Oshiiwa Patrícia Cincotto dos Santos Bueno Tereza Laís Menegucci Zutim Rebeca Maria Siqueira da Silva Eduardo Federighi Baisi Chagas Marcelo Dib Bechara Karina R. Quesada

Background: The visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a composite marker designed to quantify visceral adiposity and its metabolic implications. It integrates anthropometric (such as waist circumference and BMI) and metabolic parameters (including triglyceride levels and HDL cholesterol), providing a more comprehensive assessment of visceral fat distribution than traditional measures alone. Higher VAI values are indicative of increased visceral adiposity and have been linked to heightened cardiovascular risk and metabolic disturbances. In recent years, understanding the complex interplay between metabolic factors and cardiovascular health has become increasingly important. Methods: This cross-sectional study delves into the influence of neck circumference (NC), blood pressure (BP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and insulin resistance on the VAI among outpatient cardiology patients, offering insights into sex-specific disparities and the utility of VAI as a diagnostic tool for assessing visceral adiposity and associated cardiovascular risks. Results: The sample comprised 268 outpatient cardiology patients (152 men, 116 women). Men, averaging 55.4 years old (SD = 14.4), exhibited significantly higher VAI values than women, with robust correlations found between VAI and markers of insulin resistance (Insulin: ρ = −0.167, p = 0.006; HOMA-IR: ρ = −0.163, p = 0.007). Analysis across VAI quartiles highlighted distinct patterns, revealing lower NC and elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) values in higher VAI categories. Despite these associations, multiple linear regression controlling for age and sex demonstrated a limited predictive capacity of NC, BP, CRP, and lipid profiles on VAI (R2 range: 0.001–0.011). Conclusions: These findings underscore sex-specific disparities and suggest that VAI serves as a modest yet valuable tool in assessing visceral adiposity and associated cardiovascular risks.