Abstract

Introduction: Dysfunctional adiposity plays a key role in the early development of cardiometabolic distur bances, particularly in young adults. The Dysfunctional Adiposity Index (DAI) has been proposed as an al ternative marker integrating anthropometric and biochemical parameters to identify metabolic risk at early stages. This study aimed to evaluate the association between DAI and multiple cardiometabolic risk factors in university students.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 253 individuals aged 18-25 years from the Guada lajara Metropolitan Area. Anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical measurements were obtained following standardized procedures. The DAI was calculated using sex-specific formulas and classified using a cutoff val ue of 1.065. Insulin resistance was assessed using HOMA-IR. Student's t-tests, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were performed, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Participants with elevated DAI showed higher waist circumference, triglycerides, total cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure, and HOMA-IR, along with lower HDL-c levels compared with those with normal DAI (p < 0.05). The prevalence of abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL-c was markedly higher among individuals with elevated DAI. Elevated DAI was strongly associated with increased odds of obesity (OR=5.63), dyslipidemias (OR 4.41-5.08), hypertension (OR=9.51), and insulin resistance (OR=3.44).

Conclusion: The DAI emerges as a practical, low-cost marker for early detection of cardiometabolic altera tions in young adults. Its use in screening strategies may support timely preventive interventions.

DOI: doi.org/10.63721/25JADR0101

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