[Lipid and glucose profiles in outpatients and their correlation with anthropometric indices].

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Obesity is associated with high rates of dyslipidemia and glucose intolerance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation of anthropometric indices with the lipid and glucose profiles of outpatients. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study assessing anthropometric and metabolic parameters in a sample of 550 individuals. RESULTS The prevalence of overweight exceeded 80%, with no difference between the sexes. However, 80.9% of women vs. 52.1% of men had waist circumference in the very high risk range (P=000). Glucose and lipid abnormalities were found in over 40% of the sample. In men, no correlation was found between anthropometric indices and metabolic profile. In women, HDL cholesterol was negatively correlated with body mass index waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio. Triglycerides were positively correlated with body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio and fasting plasma glucose with waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio. After adjustment for age and nutritional status, the correlations only remained significant between HDL cholesterol and anthropometric indices. CONCLUSIONS Among women, the anthropometric indices waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio and body mass index proved good predictors of HDL cholesterol, showing the importance of using these parameters in clinical practice and for screening of cardiovascular risk.