Lifestyle Factors and BMI Associated with the Atherogenic Index of Plasma among Young Adults

Background: The Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) reflects lipid-related cardiometabolic status; however, evidence on its associated factors in young adults remains limited. The objectives were to investigate the associations between body mass index (BMI), lifestyle characteristics, and family history and AIP in Albanian adults aged 18-25 years. Methodology: A cross-sectional sample of 386 individuals aged 18-25 years was evaluated using questionnaire information, anthropometric measurements, and fasting blood analyses. AIP was derived as log₁₀ of the triglyceride-to-HDL cholesterol molar ratio. Relationships with AIP were examined using non-parametric procedures and multivariable linear regression. Results: BMI showed a weak positive relationship with AIP (ρ = 0.144, p = 0.005). In the adjusted model, higher AIP was associated with male gender (β = 0.260, p <0.001) and higher BMI (β = 0.142, p = 0.005). Relative to participants reporting no fast-food consumption, AIP was higher in both the rare (β = 0.364, p <0.001) and frequent (β = 0.457, p <0.001) consumption groups. Conclusions: Higher AIP was related to BMI, gender, and fast-food consumption in this young adult sample, supporting further investigation of demographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle correlates of lipid-related cardiometabolic profiles in early adulthood.