Age-stratified Characterization of Body Composition and Biochemical Profiles in Cardiometabolic Risk Assessment.

The prevalence of three or more metabolic risk factors increased progressively with age from the youngest to the oldest age group.

• Study used a cross-sectional, observational, descriptive-analytical design.
• 203 working-age participants were stratified into four age groups: ≤49, 50-54, 55-59, and ≥60 years.
• The prevalence of three or more metabolic risk factors increased from the <49 years group to the ≥60 years group.
• The study was conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where overweight and obesity prevalence is described as high.

The QRISK3 score increased significantly across age groups, with median scores ranging from 8.15 in the youngest group to 24.80 in the oldest group.

• The Q3 risk calculator was used to assess cardiometabolic risk (QRISK3).
• Median QRISK3 score in the youngest group (≤49 years) was 8.15.
• Median QRISK3 score in the oldest group (≥60 years) was 24.80.
• The increase across age groups was statistically significant (p<0.001).

Younger participants exhibited lower HDL cholesterol and higher visceral fat, while older groups showed elevated glucose, ALT, and AST levels.

• Differences in HDL, visceral fat, glucose, ALT, and AST across age groups were statistically significant (p<0.05).
• The pattern suggests distinct metabolic phenotypes by age group.
• Laboratory analysis, anthropometric parameters, and body composition parameters were all included as research instruments.
• Younger participants' risk profile was characterized more by body composition abnormalities, while older participants showed more biochemical derangements.

Visceral fat, BMI, and body fat percentage emerged as strong predictors of cardiometabolic risk in younger and middle-aged adults.

• Body composition indices were analyzed in association with QRISK3 scores.
• Visceral fat was identified as a key predictor particularly for younger and middle-aged groups.
• BMI and body fat percentage were also identified as strong predictors in these age groups.
• These findings support the use of body composition assessment in early cardiometabolic risk screening.

Age-specific thresholds for visceral fat and biochemical markers were identified as potentially improving cardiometabolic risk stratification.

• The study identified age-specific thresholds for visceral fat and biochemical markers across the four age strata.
• These thresholds were proposed to enhance risk stratification beyond traditional approaches.
• The findings highlight the importance of early screening and preventive interventions starting in early adulthood.
• The study population consisted of 203 working-age participants across four age groups (≤49, 50-54, 55-59, ≥60 years).

Cardiometabolic risk, encompassing metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, represents a major public health challenge in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• Bosnia and Herzegovina was described as having a high prevalence of overweight and obesity.
• The study population consisted of working-age adults, suggesting CMR burden in the economically active population.
• The study was designed as a cross-sectional, observational, descriptive-analytical study.
• The research instruments included laboratory analysis, anthropometric and body composition parameters, and the QRISK3 calculator.