Beyond BMI: Associations of Body-Shape Indices with CBC-Derived Systemic Inflammatory Indices in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by central adiposity, metabolic dysregulation, and low-grade inflammation, but body mass index (BMI) may not fully capture body-shape variation in established MetS. We investigated whether body-shape indices were associated with complete blood count (CBC)–derived systemic inflammatory indices after accounting for BMI.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study with prospective data collection, 331 adults with MetS were evaluated. Weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) was the primary anthropometric variable and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) the primary inflammatory variable. Body roundness index (BRI), a body shape index (ABSI), conicity index, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were assessed as secondary anthropometric measures, together with the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR). Multivariable linear regression models were adjusted for age, sex, current smoking, and BMI.