(P20-048-25) Postprandial Vascular Parameters in Females With Normal-Weight Obesity

Objectives: Normal-weight obesity (NWO) describes those with a normal body mass index (BMI), yet high body fat percent. NWO is more prevalent in females, and some evidence suggests adult females with NWO (but not males) are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to normal-weight lean (NWL) counterparts. The purpose of this ongoing study is to characterize baseline and post-high-fat meal vascular/hemodynamic parameters in females with NWO, which may be implicated in their CVD risk.

Methods: Healthy, female participants (N=17; 18-50 years) with a normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m²) were grouped based on body fat percent (iDXA): NWL (body fat < 33%; n=11) or NWO (body fat ≥33%; n=6). All participants reported fasting (≥10h) and consumed a high-fat meal (68g fat; 880 kcal). At 0, 2, and 4h post-meal, endothelial function was measured using flow-mediated dilation (FMD); arterial stiffness was assessed using pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index normalized to a heart rate of 75bpm (AIx@HR75); and peripheral and central blood pressure were recorded. Additionally, whole blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4h through intravenous catheters (IVs) for future determination of lipids (e.g., triglycerides) and inflammatory markers. Baseline vascular parameters and group change scores pre/post meal were compared with independent t tests.

Results: NWO had higher body fat percent and lower lean mass percent compared to NWL (p’s < 0.001); no group differences were observed for trunk fat (p=0.31). With respect to baseline vascular parameters, FMD, PWV, and peripheral/central blood pressures were similar across groups (p’s≥0.38). However, baseline AIx@HR75 – an indicator of arterial stiffness – was associated with a large effect size in NWO compared to NWL (NWO > NWL; d=2.1; p=0.08). Following the high-fat meal, the increase in AIx@HR75 was higher in NWO relative to NWL (p < 0.01). No other differences were observed for change in FMD, PWV, or peripheral/central blood pressure pre/post-meal (p’s≥0.24).

Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest females with NWO may experience acute increases in arterial stiffness following a high-fat meal. When completed, this study may increase knowledge on the cardiovascular risk profile of this population.

Funding Sources: Internal funding sources