Preliminary study on the assessment of visceral adipose tissue using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Visceral Fat, Metabolic Health, and Lifestyle Factors in Obstructive Bronchial Diseases: Insights from Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

Background/Objectives: This study examines the relationship between visceral fat (VF), metabolic health, and dietary patterns in patients with obstructive bronchial diseases (OBDs) using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Methods: A total of 75 patients diagnosed with OBD, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or asthma, were assessed for VF levels via BIA. Dietary habits were evaluated using a structured questionnaire to explore their correlation with VF accumulation. Results: The study cohort comprised predominantly male participants (66.7%), with the majority aged between 61 and 70 years (46.7%). Significant gender differences in VF distribution were observed, with 60% of females maintaining normal VF levels (1-9) compared to only 28% of males, while 38% of males exhibited very high VF levels (15-30; p = 0.003). Body mass index (BMI) showed a strong correlation with VF (p < 0.0001), as overweight and obese individuals predominantly displayed elevated VF levels (≥10). Moreover, metabolic syndrome (MS) was present in 66.7% of participants, with these individuals exhibiting significantly higher VF levels compared to those without MS (p = 0.001). Dietary analysis revealed that frequent consumption of fast food (r = 0.717, p < 0.001), carbonated drinks (r = 0.366, p = 0.001), and refined carbohydrates (r = 0.438, p < 0.001) was significantly associated with increased VF accumulation. Conversely, higher intake of water (r = -0.551, p < 0.001), fruits (r = -0.581, p < 0.001), and vegetables (r = -0.482, p < 0.001) correlated with lower VF levels. Lack of physical activity was also strongly linked to VF accumulation (r = 0.481, p < 0.001), further reinforcing the role of lifestyle factors in metabolic health. Conclusions: The findings underscore the significant impact of dietary habits and physical activity on VF accumulation in OBD patients. BMI and MS emerged as critical predictors of VF, while unhealthy dietary patterns and sedentary lifestyles further exacerbated VF deposition. Elevated VF levels were linked to adverse lipid profiles, reinforcing the need for dietary and lifestyle modifications in managing metabolic health among OBD patients. Although no direct association was identified between VF and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), the results highlight the necessity of integrated nutritional and metabolic interventions in the management of chronic respiratory diseases.

Osteosarcopenic Obesity: Current Knowledge, Revised Identification Criteria and Treatment Principles

Osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) syndrome describes the simultaneous deterioration of bone, muscle and excess fat, resulting in reduced functionality and systemic metabolic dysregulation. The key component contributing to this may be ectopic fat in the viscera, bone and muscle. OSO research to date is summarized, and the revised criteria for its identification for research purposes are reviewed and proposed, including new criteria to assess visceral fat in males and females. Finally, nutritional and physical activity recommendations are consolidated into a treatment algorithm, which can be validated in future studies and which may also be applied to preventative management.