Aims/hypothesis
Since the accumulation of lower-body subcutaneous adipose tissue (LBSAT) is associated with decreased cardiometabolic risk,
we evaluated whether reductions in LBSAT independent of changes in visceral AT (VAT) and abdominal SAT are associated with
elevations in diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Methods
Overweight and obese men (n = 58) and premenopausal women (n = 49) with elevated cardiometabolic risk underwent 3 months of diet and/or exercise induced weight-loss treatment; regional
body composition assessment by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); and cardiometabolic risk assessment, including an OGTT.
Results
After control for potential confounders, reductions in VAT, abdominal SAT and LBSAT were all associated with improvements
in selective cardiometabolic risk factors, including fasting glucose levels, lipid status and OGTT glucose and insulin. Independent
of changes in the other AT depots, reductions in VAT and abdominal SAT, but not LBSAT, remained associated with improvement
in fasting glucose levels, glucose tolerance and lipid status.
Conclusions/interpretation
Among overweight and obese adults with increased cardiometabolic risk, the selective reduction of LBSAT is not associated
with elevations in risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Thus, the reduction of excess AT conveys health benefit
regardless of origin.
Keywords Cardiometabolic risk - Diet - Dyslipidemia - Exercise - Lower-body fat loss - OGTT - Regional body composition - Visceral fat - Weight-loss intervention