Cardiometabolic risk factors and Framingham Risk Score in severely obese patients: Baseline data from DieTBra trial

Abstract

Background and aims: Little is known about differences of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) and the function of Framingham Risk Score (FRS) within severe obesity, thus we aimed to study not only CMRF and FRS, but to determine significant differences between BMI ranges within severe obesity.

Methods and results: In this baseline analysis of the Traditional Brazilian Diet (DieTBra) Trial, several CMRF were assessed in 150 adult patients in two BMI ranges: 35.0-44.9 kg/m² (n = 76) and ≥45 kg/m² (n = 74). Body composition was evaluated by multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure the percent of body fat, visceral fat area and waist circumference. Pearson's Chi-squared, Fisher's Exact, Student's t-test, and Mann-Whitney's test were used in the statistical analysis with a 5% significance level. Hypertension, C-reactive protein, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and positive family history for heart diseases were more prevalent in BMI ≥45.0 kg/m² (p < 0.05). Mean values of waist circumference, body fat %, visceral fat area, and systolic blood pressure were significantly higher in patients with BMI ≥45.0 kg/m². Regarding the function of FRS, 40.0% of the patients were at high risk. No differences were found for diabetes, lifestyle, lipid parameters, and FRS within different BMI ranges, except for dyslipidemia, significantly higher among participants with BMI 35.0-44.9 kg/m².

Conclusion: BMI >45 kg/m² was associated with higher prevalence of hypertension, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, C-reactive protein, waist circumference, body fat % and family history of heart diseases, enhancing the risk for the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords: Body composition; C-reactive protein; Hypertension; Morbid obesity; Risk factors.