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Association Between Body Composition Indices and Vascular Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Publisher Pubmed



Nikoohemmat M1 ; Ahmadi AR2 ; Valizadeh A1, 3 ; Moteshakereh SM1 ; Yariboroujeni R1 ; Seifi Z1 ; Valizadeh M1 ; Abiri B1
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Obesity Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Industrial Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran

Source: Eating and Weight Disorders Published:2025


Abstract

Objective: This systematic review explores the intricate relationship between body composition, with a specific focus on skeletal muscle mass, and vascular health indices, including measures of arterial stiffness—pulse wave velocity (PWV) and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI)—as well as arterial structure, specifically carotid artery intima–media thickness (cIMT). Methods: An extensive literature search, encompassing PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, was conducted until January 2024. Inclusion criteria involved original observational studies, with cross-sectional or longitudinal designs, reporting body composition parameters and vascular health measures. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) assessed study quality. Statistical analyses utilized Stata 17.0, employing random-effects meta-analysis, sensitivity analysis, and evaluation of publication bias. Results: Fifteen observational studies (n = 21,215) met the inclusion criteria. Pooled analyses revealed a positive association between fat-free mass (FFM) and carotid intima–media thickness (IMT) (effect size [ES]: 1.79, 95% CI 1.68–1.91), highlighting a relationship with arterial structure. Similarly, body fat percentage (BFP) was positively associated with PWV (ES: 1.45, 95% CI 1.15–1.82), and FFM showed a positive association with CAVI (ES: 1.46, 95% CI 0.78–2.71), both measures of arterial stiffness. Subgroup analyses revealed a non-significant association between appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM) and IMT (ES: 1.01, 95% CI 0.76–1.35). Conclusion: This meta-analysis highlights the complex relationship between body composition and vascular health. Subgroup analyses suggest the need for further research into specific body composition indices and their clinical implications. Level of evidence: III evidence obtained from well-designed cohort and cross-sectional studies. © The Author(s) 2025.
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