Bidirectional association between central obesity and serum lipids (triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol): A community-based study on predictors of central obesity

Background: Obesity is considered as one of the major noncommunicable diseases of the modern world. It is considered as a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. This study was planned to find the prevalence and predictors of central obesity and its relationship with serum lipids. Materials and Methods: This was a community-based observational cross-sectional study among 388 participants aged 18–49 years in an area of Kolkata from 2016 to 2018. Data collection was done using a structured questionnaire along with anthropometry, blood pressure measurement, and relevant blood tests (fasting blood sugar and lipid profile). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 16.0, and logistic regression was done to determine the strength of association between central obesity and different risk factors. Linear trends between waist circumference (WC) and serum lipids were evaluated to explore the bidirectional relationship between the two. Results: Central obesity was present among 66% of study participants. Female gender, high per capita income, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, decreasing high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and hypertension were found as predictors of central obesity. A statistically significant bidirectional association was found between serum lipids (triglycerides (TGs) and HDL-C) and WC. Conclusion: Central obesity was found as an important public health problem which is related to diet, lifestyle, gender, income, and other comorbidities. TG and HDL-C seemed to have bidirectional relationship with WC, and high WC may be considered as surrogate indicator for dyslipidemia (especially low HDL-C and high TGs level).