Association between weight-adjusted-waist index and the prevalence of gallstone disease in Minhang District, Shanghai: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Gallstone disease (GSD) is a common and costly health issue with a multifactorial etiology linked to obesity. The Weight-Adjusted-Waist Index (WWI) is a novel anthropometric measure that incorporates both weight and waist circumference, potentially offering a better assessment of GSD risk associated with adiposity. This study aims to evaluate the association between WWI and the prevalence of GSD.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 19,426 participants divided into stone (n = 4,398) and non-stone (n = 15,028) groups based on ultrasound-confirmed GSD. WWI was calculated, and its association with GSD was analyzed using logistic regression models, adjusting for confounders such as age, gender, and comorbid conditions.

RESULTS

The prevalence of GSD was 22.6%. Participants with GSD had a higher mean age, a greater proportion of females, and higher Body Mass Index (BMI) compared to those without GSD. WWI was significantly higher in the stone group (p < 0.001). The prevalence of fatty liver was also higher in the stone group (p < 0.001). Laboratory findings indicated a subclinical inflammatory state in participants with GSD. The highest tertile of WWI was associated with an increased odds ratio for GSD (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.13-1.35 in the fully adjusted model). WWI demonstrates superior predictive ability for gallstones compared to other obesity markers in obese populations.

CONCLUSIONS

WWI is positively associated with the prevalence of GSD, independent of traditional risk factors. These findings suggest that WWI could serve as a practical screening tool to identify individuals at higher risk for GSD, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address central obesity.