Relationship of body composition with cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels in Korean men and women.

Cortisol levels were negatively correlated with body weight, waist circumference, and body mass index after adjustment.

• The negative correlation between cortisol and adiposity measures was more significant in women than in men.
• Analysis adjusted for age, sex, and other relevant confounders.
• Study included 802 Korean adults assessed between 2018 and 2023.
• Partial correlation analysis was used to determine these relationships.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels showed positive correlations with height, body weight, and waist circumference.

• DHEAS as an adrenal androgen precursor was hypothesized to counteract some of cortisol's metabolic effects.
• Positive correlations were identified after adjusting for age, sex, and other confounders.
• Both partial correlation and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed.
• The study population consisted of 802 Korean adults.

The cortisol/DHEAS ratio demonstrated a negative association with height and body weight.

• The ratio was analyzed alongside individual hormone levels to assess combined hormonal effects on body composition.
• Negative associations with height and body weight were identified after adjustment for relevant confounders.
• Partial correlation analyses were used to evaluate these relationships.
• The ratio was also examined as a predictor in logistic regression models.

Elevated cortisol levels and a high cortisol/DHEAS ratio were significant positive predictors of central obesity in men.

• These findings were derived from multiple logistic regression analysis.
• Models were adjusted for age, sex, and other relevant confounders.
• This sex-specific finding contrasted with the pattern seen for general adiposity, where cortisol was negatively associated.
• Central obesity prediction was negatively associated with DHEAS levels.

DHEAS levels were negatively associated with central obesity prediction.

• This negative association was identified through logistic regression analysis.
• The finding suggests DHEAS may have a protective role against central obesity.
• This is consistent with the hypothesis that DHEAS counteracts some of cortisol's metabolic effects.
• The study population included both men and women (802 Korean adults total).

The sex-specific difference in the cortisol-adiposity relationship was a key finding, with correlations more significant in women than in men.

• Cortisol's negative correlation with body weight, waist circumference, and BMI was more significant in women.
• In contrast, elevated cortisol and high cortisol/DHEAS ratio predicted central obesity specifically in men.
• Data on sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, body composition, blood pressure, and metabolic variables were all assessed.
• Cortisol and DHEAS levels were measured and analyzed in 802 Korean adults from 2018 to 2023.