RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o ângulo de fase como método de triagem para sarcopenia. Métodos Estudo transversal realizado com 169 idosas ativas de comunidade. O ângulo de fase foi obtido por bioimpedância elétrica tetrapolar e a sarcopenia foi diagnosticada a partir da massa muscular esquelética, força muscular e performance física utilizando bioimpedância elétrica, dinamometria manual e o teste de velocidade de marcha, respectivamente. A curva Receiver Operating Characteristic foi construída para avaliar o ângulo de fase como preditor de sarcopenia. Resultados A prevalência de sarcopenia foi de 12,4%. A mediana do ângulo de fase foi de 5,30°; idosas com sarcopenia apresentaram valores menores do ângulo de fase em relação às não sarcopênicas (p=0,024). O ponto de corte do ângulo de fase para identificar sarcopenia foi ? 5,15°, com área sob a curva de 0,685, sensibilidade de 81,0%, especificidade de 60,8% e acurácia de 63,31%. Observou-se que idosas com ângulo de fase reduzido apresentaram maior chance de terem massa muscular reduzida e sarcopenia. Conclusão O ângulo de fase se mostrou útil para triagem de idosas com sarcopenia.

ABSTRACT Objective We investigated the utility of the phase angle as a screening tool for sarcopenia. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study that included 169 active community-dwelling elderly women. The phase angle was determined using tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance, and sarcopenia was diagnosed based on skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance using bioelectrical impedance analysis, a handheld dynamometer, and the gait speed test, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to investigate the role of the phase angle as a predictor of sarcopenia. Results The prevalence of sarcopenia was 12.4%. The median phase angle was 5.30°; elderly women with sarcopenia had lower phase angles than those without sarcopenia (p=0.006). The phase angle cutoff for the detection of sarcopenia was ?5.15°, with an area under the curve of 0.685, sensitivity 81.0%, specificity 60.8%, and accuracy 63.31%. Elderly women with a low phase angle show a high risk of presenting with reduced muscle mass. Conclusions The phase angle was shown to be a useful screening tool in elderly women with sarcopenia.

Abstract Background: sarcopenic obesity (SO) decreases functional capacity, favors loss of autonomy, and is associated with increased mortality in the elderly. The prevalence of sarcopenic obesity differs according to the chosen diagnostic method and/or the population studied. Objective: to identify sarcopenic obesity in community-dwelling elderly women using different diagnostic methods. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study involving 138 elderly women enrolled in an Open University of the Third Age. Sarcopenia was defined according to three criteria a skeletal muscle index (SMI) ≤ 6.42 kg/m2; reduced muscle strength, defined by handgrip strength (HS) < 20 kg/f; and reduced physical performance, determined by a usual gait speed (GS) < 0.8 m/s. Obesity was diagnosed when body mass index (BMI) > 28 kg/m2, waist circumference (WC) > 88 cm2, total body fat percentage (TBF%) determined by bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) ≥ 38%, and value for triceps skinfold (TS) ≥ 85th percentile. Sarcopenic obesity is the coexistence of sarcopenia and obesity. Results: the prevalence of sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia was 14.5% and 3.6%, respectively. The highest prevalence of obesity was found using WC (69.6%) and TBF% (52.9%) (p < 0.001). The highest prevalence of sarcopenic obesity was found using TBF% (9.4%) and WC (6.5%) (p < 0.001). Sarcopenic obesity according to BMI was only 0.7%. Conclusion: the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity was high and depended on the diagnostic criteria applied. The association of TBF% with the diagnosis of sarcopenia was the method that identified the highest prevalence of sarcopenic obesity.

Resumen Antecedentes: la obesidad sarcopénica (SO) disminuye la capacidad funcional, favorece la pérdida de autonomía y se asocia a mayor mortalidad en los ancianos. La prevalencia de la obesidad sarcopénica difiere según el método de diagnóstico elegido y/o la población estudiada. Objetivo: identificar la obesidad sarcopénica en mujeres ancianas que viven en la comunidad utilizando diferentes métodos de diagnóstico. Métodos: este es un estudio transversal en el que participaron 138 mujeres ancianas inscritas en una Universidad Abierta de la Tercera Edad. La sarcopenia se definió de acuerdo con tres criterios: un índice de músculo esquelético (SMI) ≤ 6.42 kg/m2; fuerza muscular reducida, definida por una fuerza de empuñadura (HS) < 20 kg/f, y rendimiento físico reducido, determinado por una velocidad de marcha habitual (GS) < 0,8 m/s. La obesidad se diagnosticó si: índice de masa corporal (IMC) > 28 kg/m2, perímetro de la cintura (WC) > 88 cm2, porcentaje de grasa corporal total (TBF%) determinado por análisis de impedancia bioeléctrica (BIA) ≥ 38%, y valor de pliegue cutáneo del tríceps (TS) ≥ percentil 85. La obesidad sarcopénica es la coexistencia de sarcopenia y obesidad. Resultados: la prevalencia de la sarcopenia y la sarcopenia severa fue del 14,5% y 3,6%, respectivamente. La mayor prevalencia de obesidad se encontró mediante el WC (69,6%) y el porcentaje de TBF (52,9%) (p < 0,001). La prevalencia más alta de obesidad sarcopénica se encontró utilizando el % de TBF (9,4%) y el WC (6,5%) (p < 0,001). La obesidad sarcopénica según el IMC fue solo del 0,7%. Conclusión: la prevalencia de la obesidad sarcopénica fue alta y dependió de los criterios diagnósticos aplicados. La asociación del TBF% con el diagnóstico de sarcopenia fue el método que identificó la prevalencia más alta de obesidad sarcopénica.

Resumo O artigo teve como objetivo analisar criticamente estudos que avaliaram a habilidade dos indicadores antropométricos e clínicos enquanto capazes de predizer a SM em idosos. Foi realizado uma pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados Medline/PubMed, LILACS e SciELO, além das referências de artigos selecionados e contato com autores. Foram analisados 21 artigos envolvendo indicadores antropométricos e clínicos em idosos, através de diferentes critérios da SM. Catorze estudos reportam aos indicadores antropométricos, sendo a circunferência da cintura (CC) e a razão cintura-estatura (RCEst) descritos como os melhores preditores de SM, com área sob a curva ROC (AUC) superior a 0,70 (p < 0,05). A circunferência do pescoço também foi descrita como indicador alternativo, porém com menor poder discriminatório. Para os indicadores clínicos, o lipid product accumulation (LAP) foi o parâmetro com melhor desempenho em identificar a SM em idosos, com AUC superior 0,85 e eficiência superior a 70%. Os indicadores CC, RCEst e LAP foram os mais sensiveis na predicação da SM. Desta forma, o emprego desses parâmetros podem facilitar a identificação precoce da SM através de métodos diagnósticos de fácil aplicação, boa precisão e baixo custo. Além disso, é importante a determinação de pontos de corte específicos para idosos, uma ver que a obesidade por si só, parece não ser forte preditor de SM em idosos.

Abstract The article aimed to critically analyse studies which evaluated the capacity of anthropometric and clinical indicators to predict MetS in the elderly. Bibliographical research was performed using the electronic databasese Medline/PubMed, LILACS e SciELO , references from selected articles and contact with several authors. Twenty one articles involving anthropometric and clinical indicators in the elderly were analysed, using different MS criteria. Fourteen studies report anthropometric indicators, being the waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), described as the best MS predictors, with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) over 0.70 (p < 0.05). The neck circumference was also described as an alternative indicator but with less discriminatory power. Lipid accumulation product (LAP) was the parameter with the best performance to identify MS, with an AUC over 0.85 and efficiency greater than 70%. The WC, WHtR and LAP indicators were the most sensitive for predicting MS. The use of these parameters may facilitate the early identification of MS, with good accuracy and low cost. In addition, it is important to determine specific cutoff points for the elderly, since obesity alone does not appear to be a strong predictor of MS in the elderly.

Objective: To assess the nutritional status of elderly living in nursing homes in the city of Salvador, Brazil and associated factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study performed with 359 individuals of both sexes, ages equal or over 60 years old, located in Nursing Homes in the urban area of the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Results: Regarding nutritional status according to Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), 66.3% of the evaluated elderly were malnourished and at risk of malnutrition. When comparing sexes, it has been observed that among men the prevalence of this condition (76.6%) was higher than in women (62.4%). It has been observed, as a result of the multivariate analysis, that only the variable functional capacity for Activities of Daily Living (ADL) was statistically significant. There was moderate correlation between MNA and Mini-Mental State Examination (r=0.454; p<0.0001), as well as between MNA and the ADL scale (r=0.569; p<0.0001). There was weak negative correlation between MNA total score and age (r=0.159; p=0.002). Conclusion: Malnutrition and malnutrition risk were conditions of remarkable importance, with almost twothirds of the elderly in this situation. ADL functional capacity must be monitored given their close relationship with the nutritional status of the elderly. An interdisciplinary approach in the context of institutionalization is needed due to the association between nutritional status and variables of different dimensions.

Objective: Evaluar el estado nutricional de los ancianos residentes en Hogares para Ancianos, en la ciudad de Salvador, Brasil y factores asociados. Métodos: Estudio transversal con 359 individuos mayores de 60 años, de ambos sexos y residentes en hogares de ancianos en la zona urbana de la ciudad de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Resultados: En cuanto al estado nutricional de acuerdo con Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), el 66,3% de los ancianos evaluados estaban desnutridos y en riesgo de desnutrición. La prevalencia de esta afección fue mayor entre los hombres (76,6%) en comparación con las mujeres (62,4%). Se ha observado, como resultado del análisis multivariado, que sólo la capacidad funcional variable para Actividades de la Vida Diaria (AVD) fue estadísticamente significativa. Hubo correlación moderada entre MNA y Mini Examen del Estado Mental (r = 0,454; p <0,0001), así como entre MNA y la escala AVD (r = 0,569; p <0,0001). Hubo correlación débil negativa entre la puntuación total del MNA y la edad (r = 0,159; p = 0,002). Conclusión: La desnutrición y el riesgo de desnutrición fueron de importancia excepcional de las condiciones, porque casi dos tercios de los ancianos estaban en esta situación. La capacidad funcional para AVD debe ser supervisada por su estrecha relación con el estado nutricional de las personas mayores. Un enfoque interdisciplinario en el contexto de la institucionalización es necesario debido a la asociación entre el estado nutricional y variables de diferentes dimensiones.

O acúmulo de gordura visceral está fortemente associada com alterações cardiometabólicas. Métodos alternativos, como a associação de indicadores antropométricos e hipertrigliceridemia, são usados como uma melhor estimativa para o acúmulo de gordura visceral, prevenindo doenças cardiovasculares. O objetivo foi avaliar a associação entre indicadores antropométricos com a hipertrigliceridemia para predição de gordura visceral em homens e mulheres. Estudo transversal, realizado com 192 indivíduos, de ambos os sexos, que foram submetidos à avaliação antropométrica (Diâmetro Abdominal Sagital -DAS, Circunferência da Cintura -CC e Relação Cintura-quadril -RCQ), dosagem sérica de triglicérides (TG) e tomografia computadorizada, a fim de medir a área do tecido adiposo visceral (ATAV). Análise descritiva, Correlação de Pearson e Regressão Linear Múltipla foram realizados. Indicadores antropométricos apresentaram alta correlação com a ATAV (p=0,000). Independente do nível sérico de TG, os indivíduos com indicadores antropométricos elevados tinham excesso de ATAV (p<0,05). Para cada aumento de um centímetro no DAS, houve um aumento médio de 12,46 cm² de ATAV. O estudo mostrou que ao mesmo tempo, DAS e CC foram os melhores indicadores para explicar a variabilidade na ATAV, independentemente de mudanças no nível de triglicérides, o que possibilitou a identificação de indivíduos com risco de desenvolver doenças cardiovasculares.

The accumulation of visceral fat is strongly associated with cardiometabolic changes. Alternative methods, such as the association between anthropometric indicators and hypertriglyceridemia, are used as the best estimate for the accumulation of visceral fat, preventing cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of anthropometric indicators with hypertriglyceridemia in the prediction of visceral fat in men and women. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with 192 individuals, of both genders, submitted to anthropometric evaluation (sagittal abdominal diameter [SAD], waist circumference [WC], and waist-hip ratio [WHR]), serum dosage of triglycerides (TG), and computed tomography scan, in order to measure the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area. Descriptive analysis, Pearson's Correlation, and multiple linear regression were performed. Anthropometric indicators had high correlation with the VAT area (p=0.000). Regardless of serum TG levels, individuals with high values of anthropometric indicators had excess VAT area (p<0.05). For every centimeter increased in SAD, there was an average increase of 12.46 cm² in the VAT area. The study showed that both SAD and WC were good indicators to explain the variability in the VAT area, independently of changes in TG levels, making it possible to identify individuals with a risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Objective: To evaluate the association of Hypertriglyceridemic waist with metabolic disorders and visceral fat in adults. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 191 individuals of both sexes. Subjects were grouped according to Waist Circumference (WC) ratings (Men: > 90 cm; Women: > 80 cm) and triglycerides (TG) (> 150 mg/dl) in Group 1 (HTW Phenotype): elevated WC and TG; Group 2 (absence of HTW Phenotype): elevated WC and normal TG or normal WC and elevated TG or normal WC and TG. Metabolic alternations, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and visceral/subcutaneous fat index (VF/SF) measured by computed tomography were evaluated as cardiovascular risk factors between the groups. Results: Individuals with HTW phenotype, 82% had three or more cardiovascular risk factors. The association between cardiovascular risk factors with HTW phenotype revealed that among men 73.7% had hypercholesterolemia, 94.9% elevated non-HDLc and 78.9% excess of VAT area (p = 0.001). Among women, 65% had elevated Sistolic Blood Plessure, 80% hypercholesterolemia and 90% elevated non-HDLc (p < 0.02). Conclusion: The HTW phenotype associated with the metabolic alternations and VAT excess. Individuals with HTW had higher number of cardiovascular risk factors. The Hypertriglyceridemic waist can be used in clinical practice for investigating cardiovascular risk and visceral adipose tissue in individuals.

Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre Cintura Hipertrigliceridémica (CHT) con cambios metabólicos y grasa visceral en adultos. Métodos: Estudio transversal con 191 personas de ambos sexos. Los participantes fueron agrupados según clasificación de Circunferencia de Cintura (CC) (Hombres: > 90 cm; Mujeres: > 80 cm) y triglicéridos séricos (TG) (>150 mg/dl) en el Grupo 1 (Fenotipo CHT): Elevación en CC y TG; Grupo 2 (ausencia del Fenotipo CHT): Aumento en CC y TG normal, o CC normal y TG elevado o CC y TG normales. Cambios metabólicos, área del tejido adiposo visceral (TAV) y índice de grasa visceral/subcutáneo (GV/GS), medidas por tomografia computadorizada, fueron evaluados como factores de riesgo cardiovascular entre los grupos. Resultados: De los participantes con el Fenotipo CHT, 82% presentaban tres o más factores de riesgo cardiovascular. La relación entre los factores de riesgo cardiovascular y el Fenotipo CHT demostró que entre los hombres 73,7% presentaban hipercolesterolemia, 94,9% no-HDLc elevado y 78,9% exceso de área TAV (p = 0,001). Entre las mujeres, 65% presentaban presión arterial sistólica alta, 80% hipercolesterolemia y 90% no-HDLc elevado (p < 0,02). Conclusión: El Fenotipo CHT se relacionó con cambios metabólicos y exceso de TAV. Personas con CHT presentaron más factores de riesgo cardiovascular. La Cintura Hipertrigliceridémica puede ser utilizada en la práctica clínica para investigar el riesgo cardiovascular y el depósito del tejido adiposo visceral en las personas.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre bioimpedância elétrica (BIA) e gordura visceral (GV) em adultos e idosos. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, 191 indivíduos (52% mulheres, 49% idosos), estratificados por sexo, grupo etário e massa corporal. Obtiveram-se dados sobre tomografia computadorizada (área de GV) e BIA (percentual de gordura corporal total (%GCT-BIA), ângulo de fase, reactância e resistência). Análise estatística: Coeficiente de Correlação de Pearson, Anova, Qui-quadrado de Pearson, Curva ROC. RESULTADOS: Áreas de GV > 130 cm² foram mais observadas em idosos e em homens. Entre as mulheres adultas, mostrou-se correlação mais forte entre GV e %GCT-BIA. Os demais grupos apresentaram resultados semelhantes e correlações estatisticamente significantes. As correlações entre GV e ângulo de fase foram fracas e sem significância estatística. As análises da Curva ROC indicaram os seguintes %GCT-BIA que identificaram excesso de GV: homens: 21,5% (adultos), 24,25% (idosos); mulheres: 35,05% (adultas), 38,45% (idosas), com sensibilidade de 78,6%, 82,1%, 83,3%, 66,7% e especificidade de 70,6%, 62,5%, 79,1%, 69%, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: BIA apresentou satisfatória sensibilidade e especificidade para predizer GV, entretanto, outros aparelhos e técnicas devem ser investigados para melhorar essa predição.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between electrical bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and visceral fat (VF) in adult and elderly patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, with a sample of 191 subjects (52% women, 49% elderly) stratified by sex, age and body mass. Computerized tomography (VF area) and BIA (percentage of total body fat (%TBF-BIA), phase angle, reactance and resistance) data were generated. Statistical analysis was based on Pearson's Correlation Coefficient, Anova, Pearson's Chi-square, and ROC curves. RESULTS: VF areas > 130 cm² were more prevalent among the elderly and among men. Adult females showed a stronger correlation between GV and %TBF-BIA. The other groups showed similar results and statistically significant correlations. Correlations between GV and phase angle were weak and not statistically significant. ROC Curves analyzes showed the following %TBF-BIA, which identified excess VF: for male subjects: 21.5% (adults) and 24.25% (elderly); for female subjects: 35.05% (adults) and 38.45% (elderly) with sensitivity of 78.6%, 82.1%, 83.3%, and 66.7%, and specificity of 70.6%, 62.5%, 79.1%, and 69%, respectively. CONCLUSION: BIA was found to have satisfactory sensitivity and specificity to predict VF; however, other devices and other techniques should be investigated to improve VF prediction.

Tejido adiposo visceral (TAV) está vinculado con las consecuencias metabólicas de la obesidad, siendo necesario el uso de métodos alternativos de predicción de este tipo de grasa, como la antropometría. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el desempeño de la antropometría en la predicción de la grasa visceral medido con tomografía computarizada en adultos y adultos mayores. Estudio transversal con 197 individuos sometidos a tomografía computarizada y la antropometría. Las variables fueron: área de TAV, diámetro abdominal sagital (DAS), circunferencia de cintura (CC) y el índice cintura-cadera (RCC). Análisis descriptivo, de correlación de Pearson y la Curva ROC se llevaron a cabo. Hemos observado correlaciones superiores a 0,7 (p=0,000) entre el DAS, CC y TAV en los hombres adultos y adultos mayores y en mujeres adultas. RCC muestren la mínima correlación. Los puntos de corte de DAS más sensible y específico son iguales para los hombres (adultos y adultos mayores: 20,2cm), pero diferente para las mujeres (Adultos: 21,0cm - sens.:83.3; espec.:79.1 /adultos mayores: 19,9cm - sens.: 81.0; espec.: 79.3). El CC de los puntos de corte fueron de 90,2cm y 92,2cm para los hombres (Hombres adultos- sens.: 86.7; espec.: 86.1- y los hombres mayores - sens.: 79.3; espec.: 77.8, respectivamente), mientras que para las mujeres los valores registrados fueron de 92.3cm (mujeres adultas- sens.: 83.3; espec.:81.4) y 88.2cm (mujeres mayores- sens.: 76.2; espec.:69.0). Este estudio mostró que la CC y el DAS lograr el mejor rendimiento en la identificación de la grasa visceral considerados de riesgo para el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiometabólicas en los adultos y adultos mayores.

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is linked with the metabolic consequences of obesity, being necessary the use alternative methods of predicting this type of fat, like anthropometry. The objective of this study was assess the performance of anthropometry in predicting visceral fat measured with computerized tomography in adults and older adults. Study transversal with 197 individuals underwent computerized tomography (CT) and anthropometry. The variables analized were: visceral adipose tissue area by CT, Sagittal Abdominal Diameter (SAD), Waist Circumference (WC) and Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR). A descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation and ROC curve were carried out. We observed Correlations higher than 0.7 (p=0.000) between the SAD, WC and the VAT area were found in adult men and older men and in adult women. WHR displayed the least correlations. The most sensitive and specific SAD cut-off points were equal for all the men (Adults: 20.2 cm /Older adults: 20.2 cm) but different for the women (Adults: 21.0 cm; sens.: 83.3; spec.: 79.1 /Older adults: 19.9 cm; sens.: 81.0; spec.:79.3). The WC cut-off points that identified a VAT area =130cm² were 90.2 cm and 92.2 cm for men (adult men - sens.: 86.7; spec.: 86.1 - and older men- sens.: 79.3; spec.: 77.8 -respectively), while for women the recorded values were 92.3 cm (adult women- sens.: 83.3; spec: 81.4) and 88.2 cm (older women - sens.:76.2; spec.: 69.0).This study showed that WC and SAD achieved the best performance in the identification of visceral fat considered at risk for the development of cardiometabolic diseases in adults and older adults.

FUNDAMENTO: A obesidade androgênica está associada a um risco maior de distúrbios metabólicos, favorecendo assim a ocorrência de doenças cardiovasculares e outras morbidades. OBJETIVO: Verificar a influência da área de tecido adiposo visceral (ATAV), medida pela tomografia computadorizada, sobre alterações metabólicas em adultos e idosos. MÉTODOS: Tomografias computadorizadas e valores de lipoproteínas: o colesterol total e frações, os triglicérides, a glicemia e o ácido úrico foram obtidos de 194 indivíduos estratificados por sexo, grupo etário e massa corporal, e analisados utilizando os testes de correlação e de média. RESULTADOS: Os idosos apresentaram maiores valores da ATAV, glicemia, ácido úrico e colesterol total. As maiores correlações foram encontradas entre a ATAV, os triglicérides e o VLDL-c (r > 0,5; p < 0,01), em ambos os grupos etários. A média da área de tecido adiposo visceral mostrou-se sempre mais elevada quando os valores de triglicérides e de glicemia estavam alterados, em ambos os grupos etários. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria dos exames apresentou forte correlação com a ATAV considerada de risco para alterações metabólicas. Em idosos, a área de tecido adiposo visceral de risco parece ser superior a de adultos.

BACKGROUND: Androgenic obesity is associated with a higher risk of metabolic disorders, thus favoring the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and other morbidities. OBJECTIVE: To verify the influence of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area, measured by computed tomography (CT), on the metabolic alterations in adult and elderly individuals. METHODS: CT results and lipoprotein levels, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, glycemia and uric acid levels, were obtained from 194 individuals stratified by sex, age group and body mass and analyzed using the tests of correlation and means. RESULTS: The elderly individuals presented higher VAT area, glycemia, uric acid and total cholesterol levels. The most important correlations were observed between VAT area, triglycerides (TG) and VLDL-c (r > 0.5; p < 0.01), in both age groups. The mean VAT area was always higher when TG and glycemia levels were altered, in both age groups. CONCLUSION: Most tests showed a strong correlation with VAT area, which was considered as risk for metabolic alterations. In elderly individuals, the risk VAT area seems to be higher than that of adult individuals.

FUNDAMENTO: La obesidad androgénica está asociada a un riesgo mayor de disturbios metabólicos, favoreciendo así la ocurrencia de enfermedades cardiovasculares y otras morbilidades. OBJETIVOS: Verificar la influencia del área de tejido adiposo visceral (ATAV), medida por la tomografía computarizada, sobre alteraciones metabólicas en adultos y adultos mayores. MÉTODOS: Tomografías computarizadas y valores de lipoproteínas: el colesterol total y fracciones, los triglicéridos, la glucemia y el ácido úrico se obtuvieron de 194 individuos estratificados por sexo, grupo de edad y masa corporal, y se analizaron utilizando las pruebas de correlación y de promedio. RESULTADOS: Los adultos mayores presentaron mayores valores de la ATAV, glucemia, ácido úrico y colesterol total. Las mayores correlaciones se encontraron entre la ATAV, los triglicéridos y el VLDL-c (r > 0,5; p < 0,01), en ambos grupos de edad. La media del área de tejido adiposo visceral se evidenció siempre más elevada cuando los valores de triglicéridos y de glucemia estaban alterados, en ambos grupos de edad. CONCLUSIÓN: La mayoría de los exámenes presentó fuerte correlación con la ATAV considerada de riesgo para alteraciones metabólicas. En adultos mayores, el área de tejido adiposo visceral de riesgo parece ser superior a la de adultos.