Association Between Metabolic and Endocrine Parameters With Visceral Adiposity Index–Defined Adipose Tissue Dysfunction in Young Adult Males

Background Overweight and obesity are defined by body mass index (BMI); however, this indicator does not address the wide variability that exists in metabolic health for a given BMI. This largely depends on adipose tissue functionality and location, with larger visceral depots elevating inflammation and cardiometabolic risk. The visceral adiposity index (VAI) provides a closer approach to adipose tissue functionality; however, there are limited studies addressing its ability to identify differences in metabolic health among young adults with excess weight. We evaluated whether low versus high VAI (L‐VAI vs. H‐VAI) groups differ in body composition, endocrine and metabolic indicators, and indices of metabolic risk and adipose tissue function. Methods Fifty‐two healthy adult males with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 were evaluated in this cross‐sectional study. Subjects were classified as L‐VAI or H‐VAI according to the VAI cutoff proposed for adipose tissue dysfunction (> 2.52). Weight, height, arterial blood pressure, body composition, and metabolic/endocrine parameters were compared in L‐VAI versus H‐VAI groups. Results Subjects in the H‐VAI group (∼40%) showed greater truncal fat mass and lower adiponectin/leptin ratio (Ad/Lep), as well as greater indices of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR and triglyceride/glucose) and the metabolic syndrome severity score. Significant positive correlations were found between VAI and the cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome–related factors, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), uric acid, and HOMA‐IR and an inverse association with adiponectin and Ad/Lep. Conclusions Our observations indicate that VAI is a useful tool to assess cardiometabolic risk and adipose tissue functionality in young adult males with overweight and obesity.