METHODS

Data from women (n = 305, aged 43 [34; 53] years-old, BMI 44.2 [40.8; 48.2] kg/m2) included in the Severe Obesity Outcome Network (SOON) cohort were analyzed (i) to evaluate collinearity between the different anthropometric markers, (ii) to compare the association of markers with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and other cardiometabolic risks.

RESULTS

Hip, waist and neck circumferences correlated with BMI with respectively less collinearity (r = 0.70, r = 0.59 and r = 0.37, respectively, p<0.001) whereas waist-to-hip ratio was not correlated (r = 0.11, p = 0.072). Waist and neck circumferences were significantly associated with hypertension, type 2 diabetes and OSAS in univariate logistic regressions, waist-to-hip ratio with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Hip circumference was inversely correlated with type 2 diabetes (OR 0.970 (95CI: 0.948; 0.991) p = 0.006). BMI was only linked to OSAS (OR 1.092 (95CI: 1.043; 1.143) p<0.001). Neck circumference was the only marker significantly associated with all cardiometabolic risk markers (HOMA-IR, apnea-hypopnea index, Log Triglycerides/HDL-c, alanin-aminotransferase, aspartate-aminotransferase, gammaglutamyl transpeptidase).

CONCLUSIONS

Neck circumference appears the most appropriate anthropometric marker to identify the fat distribution associated with high cardiometabolic risk in women with severe obesity.