Visceral Obesity and Lipid Profiles in Chinese Adults with Normal and High Body Mass Index

Background: This study examined the prevalence of visceral obesity in Chinese adults across different body mass index (BMI) groups and their associated lipid profiles and demographic risk factors. Methods: A total of 1653 Chinese adults were recruited for the study. Abdominal quantitative computed tomography (CT) imaging was performed to derive the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) at the lumbar vertebrae (L2-L3) levels. Visceral obesity was defined using established cutoff values. Fasting serum total cholesterol, total glucose, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein were measured. Results: Visceral obesity was prevalent in 35% of men and 22% of women with normal BMI (18.5-24 kg/m(2)) and 86% of men and 78% of women with high BMI (>= 24 kg/m(2)). In both sexes, participants with normal BMI and visceral obesity had higher levels of TC, TG and LDL and lower HDL compared to those with normal VAT. The risk factors for visceral obesity in women with normal BMI were an age >= 50 years and BMI >= 22.3 kg/m(2) and in men included a BMI >= 22.5 kg/m(2). Conclusion: Visceral obesity was observed in the participants with normal BMI and was associated with an adverse lipid profile. The BMI cutoff points were lower than the normally accepted values.