Visceral Adiposity Index: A reliable indicator of visceral fat function associated with cardiometabolic risk

OBJECTIVE: To individuate a novel sex-specific index, based on waist circumference, BMI, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol, indirectly expressing visceral fat function. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Visceral adiposity index (VAI) was first modeled on 315 nonobese healthy subjects. Using two multiple logistic regression models, VAI was retrospectively validated in 1,498 primary care patients in comparison to classical cardio- and cerebrovascular risk factors. RESULTS: All components of metabolic syndrome increased significantly across VAI quintiles. VAI was independently associated with both cardiovascular (odd ratio [OR] 2.45; 95% CI 1.52–3.95; P < 0.001) and cerebrovascular (1.63; 1.06–2.50; P = 0.025) events. VAI also showed significant inverse correlation with insulin sensitivity during euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp in a subgroup of patients (R(s) = −0.721; P < 0.001). By contrast, no correlations were found for waist circumference and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests VAI is a valuable indicator of “visceral adipose function” and insulin sensitivity, and its increase is strongly associated with cardiometabolic risk.