Weight-adjusted waist index and its relationship with systemic inflammatory Index and metabolic indices in overweight and obese individuals: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundObesity- characterized by excessive adiposity- is associated with various comorbidities, including metabolic, cardiovascular, and liver diseases. Chronic low-grade inflammation is a key factor in complications associated with obesity. This study aimed to investigate the associations between systemic inflammatory indices (SIIs) and weight-adjusted waist index (WWI), alongside metabolic and liver function biomarkers in overweight and obese individuals.MethodThis cross-sectional study included 350 overweight or obese participants (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m²) from both genders. Weight, height, waist, hip, and neck circumferences were measured and BMI, WWI, and the ratios of waist to height (WHtR) and hip (WHR) were estimated. Fasting blood samples were taken to assess SII as well as metabolic parameters.ResultsIn this study, males had significantly higher weight and WC compared to females, whereas the mean level of WWI (p < 0001) and WHtR (p = 0.01) in women were greater than in men. A significant correlation was observed between WWI and SII (r = 0.113, p = 0.039), and other associations were observed between HbA1c levels (r = -0.117, p = 0.033) and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and fasting blood sugar (FBS) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio NLR (r = 0.110, p = 0.041). SII quartiles showed significant differences in aspartate aminotransferase AST levels (p < 0.001), and significant variations in WHtR and MLR were also observed (r = -0.112, p = 0.043).ConclusionOur results reveal strong and significant correlations between systemic inflammatory markers, including SII, MLR, and PLR, and important obesity measures, as well as metabolic and liver function parameters in individuals with obesity.