Objective:
Obesity is a major risk factor for metabolic diseases, yet different anthropometric measures such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-hip ratio (WHR) may capture distinct metabolic alterations. This study aims to compare the metabolic signatures associated with these obesity definitions in the Qatari population.
Methods:
Serum samples from 1,443 participants (778 males, 665 females) were analyzed using high-resolution metabolomics. Participants were categorized into obese and non-obese groups based on BMI, WC, and WHR. Metabolite profiling was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS), followed by statistical analysis to identify metabolites differentially associated with each obesity measure.
Results:
Distinct metabolic signatures were observed for each obesity measure. In men, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine metabolites were significantly enriched in individuals classified as obese by WHR. In women, significant alterations in branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) were observed in those classified as obese by WC. The study identified both common and unique metabolites across BMI, WC, and WHR classifications, suggesting that each measure reflects different metabolic pathways associated with obesity.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the variability in metabolic alterations based on different obesity definitions. These findings emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate anthropometric measures when assessing obesity-related health risks. The identification of distinct metabolite patterns suggests that metabolomics can improve obesity classification and aid in developing targeted interventions. Future studies should explore the implications of these metabolic signatures for personalized obesity management and disease prevention.