Cut-off value of body fat in association with metabolic syndrome in Thai peri- and postmenopausal women

ABSTRACT

Background Pathophysiologic changes during the menopause transition may contribute to the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Body fat composition, particularly visceral fat, is highly associated with increased insulin resistance, abnormal carbohydrate metabolism and high blood pressure. We purposefully wished to determine the optimal cut-off values of body fat composition, including visceral fat, in order to predict MetS and to assess the prevalence of MetS in peri- and postmenopausal women.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in a population-based, prospective cohort at the Menopause and Gynecology clinics, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Body fat percentage and visceral fat rating were measured by a bioelectrical impedance analyzer (Tanita SC 330). MetS was diagnosed using the Harmonizing criteria of A Joint Interim Statement of IDF/NHLBI/AHA/WHF/IAS/IASO 2009. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed to determine the optimal cut-off values of body fat, visceral fat, waist circumference and body mass index to identify peri- and postmenopausal women at risk of MetS.

Results Ninety-two perimenopausal and 446 postmenopausal women aged 40–60 years were recruited for the analyses. The optimal cut-off values for body fat percentage, visceral fat rating, waist circumference and body mass index for identifying women at risk of MetS were 34%, 7, 88 cm and 24 kg/m², respectively. The prevalence of MetS in this study was 27.9%.

Conclusion The optimal cut-off values to predict MetS of body fat percentage, visceral fat and waist circumference were established. Using the Harmonizing 2009 criteria, we found that approximately one out of four peri- and postmenopausal women in this study had MetS.

Key words::

• CUT-OFF VALUES
• BODY FAT
• VISCERAL FAT
• METABOLIC SYNDROME
• MENOPAUSE
• THAI

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors would like to thank all subjects for their willingness to participate in this study, Associate Professor Dhiraphongs Charoenvidhya, the head of the Department of Obstetrics- gynecology, for permission to conduct this research, Associate Professor Wiroj Jiamjarasrangsi, Ms Somtawil Pojanasopanakul, Ms Tanimporn Nillakarn, Ms Surapee Santawaruk, Mr Wasun Panyasang and Menopause Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn Univerersity for their assistance.

Conflict of interest The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Source of funding The study was financially supported by Ratchadaphiseksomphot Endowment Fund, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University.