Identifying Predictors of the Visceral Fat Index in the Obese and Overweight Population to Manage Obesity: A Randomized Intervention Study

Abstract

Introduction: Nowadays, obesity is one of the main causes of death and disability. In recent years, it has been shown that the excess and distribution of body fat increases morbidity, with excess visceral fat being the most important factor that triggers pathologies. Thus, estimation of visceral fat makes it possible to identify patients with a higher cardiovascular risk, aiding the management of obesity. The main objective of the study was to identify predictors of the visceral fat index through a lifestyle intervention and to observe the effect of the intervention on dietary habits and functional capacity. Methods: A randomized intervention, parallel-group study was made. This study included 97 obese and overweight people (control group, n = 48; experimental group, n = 49) with a low socioeconomic status in an 8-month lifestyle intervention. Anthropometric, fitness and nutritional tests were assessed. Results: It was found that being female, eating the recommended daily portions of fruit, gaining strength in the legs and gaining flexibility are factors predictive of a lower visceral fat index. Age over 45 years and eating the recommended weekly portions of cereals and meats, fat and processed meats increases the visceral fat index after a lifestyle intervention. There were changes in the visceral fat index and in the different physical condition variables, but not in eating habits. Conclusion: A multicomponent lifestyle intervention reduces the visceral fat index; age over 45 and consuming cereals and meat increases the visceral fat index.