Fat distribution and gamma-glutamyl transferase in relation to serum lipids and blood pressure in 38-year old Dutch males.

In this study we describe the associations between indicators of fatness, fat distribution, and alcohol consumption (gamma-glutamyl transferase) with serum lipids and blood pressure in a random selected group (n = 69) of 38-year old men. Waist circumference, subscapular skinfold and body mass index all had similar positive associations with total cholesterol, triglycerides and diastolic blood pressure. Gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were associated with indicators of fatness and fat distribution (waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, body mass index, and subscapular skinfold) and serum lipids (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides). Gamma-glutamyl transferase and body mass index both made independent contributions to the explanation of the waist/hip ratio. In multiple regression analysis, gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were (after adjustment for waist/hip ratio and body mass index) associated with serum lipids (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides), but not with HDL-cholesterol and blood pressure. Body mass index only showed an independent relation to triglyceride levels, whereas the waist/hip ratio was only associated with diastolic blood pressure in multiple regression. It is concluded that gamma-glutamyl transferase levels are a potentially important indicator of abdominal fat distribution and unfavourable lipoprotein profiles.