Body composition and cardiovascular risk: correlation of fat mass, muscle mass, and visceral fat with atherogenic index of plasma in young adults

Abstract

Background: Variations in body composition, particularly fat mass, muscle mass, and visceral adiposity, are known to influence lipid profiles and correlate with cardiovascular risk. The Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) is an indicator marker for lipid-related cardiovascular disease. This study examines the association between body composition and AIP in young adults. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using purposive sampling among 167 students aged 17–22 years at Hasanuddin University. Anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, and waist circumference), were obtained using standardized procedures. Body composition (fat mass, muscle mass, visceral fat, bone mass, and total body water) was assessed using a Tanita BC-730 bioelectrical impedance analyzer (BIA). Venous blood samples were collected following overnight fast, triglyceride and HDL-C levels measured using enzymatic methods. Bivariate analysis was performed to examine correlations between body composition parameters and the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP). Multiple linear regression with backward elimination was used to identify independent predictors of AIP. Results: Females had significantly higher fat mass (36.6%) and lower muscle mass (59.95%) compared to males (18.4% and 77.6%, respectively; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in visceral fat between sexes. AIP showed a positive correlation with fat mass (r = 0.231, p = 0.003) and visceral fat (r = 0.417, p < 0.001), and a negative correlation with muscle mass (r = –0.219, p = 0.004). In multivariate analysis, visceral fat emerged as the only independent predictor of AIP (β = 0.426, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Visceral fat emerged as the only independent predictor with significant effect on AIP. AIP and body composition screening may support early prevention strategies in youth.