The association of a body shape index and visceral adiposity index with neurotrophic, hormonal and metabolic factors among apparently healthy women: a cross-sectional analysis.

Purpose: A body shape index ABSI) and visceral; adiposity index (VAI) can reflect some cardio-metabolic risk factors in the population. To the best of our knowledge, there are no previous studies conducted on the assessment of the association between neurotrophic factors, Ghrelin and Obestatin with ABSI and VAI. We aimed to investigate this association among apparently healthy women.

Methods: Ninety apparently healthy women were recruited in the present study. All participants were in need of dietary intervention for weight loss and participated in the study before receiving any intervention. Dietary, anthropometric, physical activity, stress level and biochemical assessments, as well as blood pressure measurements were done for all participants.

Results: Women in the highest tertile of ABSI had significantly lower SBP compared to the lowest ABSI tertile. Women who were in the highest tertile of VAI had significantly lower serum Obestatin levels compared to the first and second tertiles in both crude and adjusted comparisons. Serum NGF, Obestatin and Ghrelin levels were significantly lower in the highest tertile of VAI compared to the lowest tertile in both crude and adjusted comparisons. HOMA-IR, serum insulin, LDL-C, TG and TC were significantly higher in the highest tertile of VAI compared to the lowest tertile. QUICKI in the highest tertiles were significantly lower than the first tertile in adjusted model.

Conclusion: This evidence can be useful for researchers in applying appropriate anthropometric indices regarding different populations with multifactorial metabolic complications. The current findings need approving by prospective population study and also clinical trial researches.