Waist circumference and body mass index as predictors of elevated alanine transaminase in Danes aged 30 to 50 years

Introduction. We examined whether waist circumference and waist-to-hip circ umference ratio were a better predictor for elevated alanine transaminase l evel than body mass index. Methodology: In a cross-sectional survey we examined body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, alcohol consumption, and alanine transa minase level in a random sample of 903 men and women aged 30 to 50 years fr om The Ebeltoft Health Promotion Project in Denmark. Results: Body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio explai ned an approximate 12% variation in alanine transaminase in men and 4% in w omen, whereas waist-to-hip circumference ratio explained a 2% variation in women. The risk of elevated alanine transaminase level in men, calculated a s odds ratio, with a body mass index (kg/m(2)) above 30, or a waist circumf erence above 102 cm, or a waist-to-hip circumference ratio above 0.9 was 9. 3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.6-24.1), 5.6 (95% CI, 2.5-12.5) and 2.7 (95% CI, 1.3-53) respectively, but there was no elevated risk among women. Conclusions. Waist circumference and body mass index were both predictors i n men. Waist-to-hip ratio was also a predictor in men, but not as strong a predictor as waist circumference and body mass index. No association was fo und in women. This difference is probably explained by differences in the a ccumulation of intra-abdominal adipose tissue among men and women with the same degree of obesity.