What does this research mean for the field?

Central obesity, as defined by IDF, is associated with urinary leakage symptoms (PR = 2.12), while ATP III criteria show a weaker association (PR = 1.47). Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.SUPPORTS_CONSENSUS.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to explore how central obesity relates to symptoms of autonomic dysfunction using two definitions of central obesity.

January 10, 2026Revista Española de Nutrición Humana y Dietética0 citationsOpen Access

Association between central obesity and symptoms of autonomic dysfunction: a cross-sectional study

ICIgnacio A. Carballo-TelloUniversidad Científica del Sur LMLucero Magallanes-HornaUniversidad Científica del Sur ABAntonio Bernabe-OrtizUniversidad Científica del Sur

Key Result

Central obesity as defined by IDF was associated with urinary leakage symptoms (PR = 2.12), while ATP III criteria showed a weaker association (PR = 1.47).

Key Points

This study aims to explore how central obesity relates to symptoms of autonomic dysfunction using two definitions of central obesity.
Conducted a secondary data analysis of an observational cross-sectional study in Northern Peru (2016-2017)
Assessed autonomic symptoms via the Survey of Autonomic Symptoms
Defined central obesity by waist circumference using IDF and ATP III criteria
Employed Poisson regression models to evaluate associations, adjusted for age, sex, education, and socioeconomic status
79.4% of participants met IDF criteria for central obesity; 45.5% met ATP III criteria
IDF-defined central obesity was significantly associated with urinary leakage (PR = 2.12)
A weaker association was found with ATP III criteria (PR = 1.47)

Structured PICO

Does central obesity increase the prevalence of autonomic dysfunction symptoms in adults?

Population

1,609 adults aged 30 to 69 years from Tumbes, a semi-urban region in northern Peru, mean age 48.2 years, 50.3% women.

Intervention

Central obesity defined by waist circumference using two criteria: International Diabetes Federation (IDF) (≥90 cm in men, ≥80 cm in women) and Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) (≥102 cm in men, ≥88 cm in women).

Comparator

Absence of central obesity according to the respective IDF or ATP III criteria.

Outcome

Presence of autonomic dysfunction symptoms assessed using the Survey of Autonomic Symptoms (SAS).patient reported

Central obesity is significantly associated with autonomic dysfunction symptoms, particularly urinary leakage, suggesting that abdominal adiposity may contribute to autonomic nervous system impairment.

Main Result

Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%

Abstract

Introduction: Central obesity is associated with diverse complications, including autonomic symptoms; however, there are several diagnostic criteria for defining central obesity. This study aimed to examine the association between central obesity, using two different definitions, and the presence of autonomic dysfunction symptoms in adults. Methods: Secondary data analysis using information from an observational, cross-sectional study conducted in the North of Peru, between 2016 and 2017. Autonomic symptoms were assessed using the Survey of Autonomic Symptoms, whereas central obesity was defined based on waist circumference, using two different criteria (International Diabetes Federation IDF and the Adult Treatment Panel III ATP III). Crude and adjusted (for age, sex, education level, and socioeconomic status) Poisson regression models were created to evaluate the association of interest. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were reported. Results: A total of 1,609 participants were analyzed, with a mean age of 48.2 years (SD: 10.6) and 810 (50.3%) were women. The prevalence of central obesity was 79.4% (95% CI: 77.3%–81.3%) according to IDF criterion, and 45.5% (95% CI: 43.1%–48.0%) based on ATP III criterion. In multivariable model, central obesity as defined by IDF was significantly associated with urinary leakage (PR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.22–3.69). A significant but weaker association was observed when applying ATP III criteria (PR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.10–1.97). Conclusions: Central obesity, as defined by both IDF and ATP III criteria, was significantly associated with autonomic dysfunction symptoms, particularly urinary leakage.

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