Abstract Body: Introduction: The associations between different regional body fat composition and blood lipids remain unclear, especially in Chinese population. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of trunk, arm and leg body fat composition with blood lipids.
Hypothesis: We hypothesized that trunk, arm and leg body fat percentages (BFP) would be differentially associated with blood lipid levels.
Method: The baseline data of the MECH-HK (Migraine Exposures and Cardiovascular Health in Hong Kong Chinese Women) cohort were used for this study. The participants were recruited between October 2019 and October 2021. InBody 270 bioelectrical impedance analysis device was used for body fat composition measurement. Fingerstick capillary blood samples were collected for blood lipid measurements using point-of-care testing devices. Multivariable linear regression models were used to investigate the associations between regional body fat composition and blood lipids.
Results: We included 3616 women participants (age: 56.12±8.51) in this analysis. The mean regional arm, trunk and leg BFP were 4.59%, 15.38% and 10.76%, respectively. The mean levels of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride were 198.42 mg/dL, 65.39 mg/dL, 102.39 mg/dL, and 158.42 mg/dL, respectively. After adjusting for age, education level, monthly family income, smoking and drinking status, physical activity levels, family history of hyperlipidemia and BMI, higher trunk BFP was associated with increased total cholesterol (β: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.25 to 2.04, P = 0.01), LDL cholesterol (β:1.62, 95% CI: 0.83 to 2.41, P < 0.001), and triglyceride (β: 7.85, 95% CI: 5.80 to 9.90, P < 0.001) and decreased HDL cholesterol (β: -1.74, 95% CI: -2.12 to -1.37, P < 0.001). In contrast, higher arm and leg BFP were associated with decreased triglyceride (β for arm BFP: -25.62, 95% CI: -32.49 to -18.74, P < 0.001; β for leg BFP: -8.10, 95% CI: -11.16 to -5.04, P < 0.001) and increased HDL cholesterol (β for arm BFP: 5.34, 95% CI: 4.09 to 9.59, P < 0.001; β for leg BFP: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.39 to 2.50, P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Higher trunk BFP was associated with an adverse blood lipid profile, while higher arm and leg BFP was associated with a favorable blood lipid profile. Regional body fat composition may differentially impact blood lipid metabolism.