Waist-to-height ratio, body fat, and macronutrient intake as predictors of lipid abnormalities in elite Turkish athletes: a comparative study

TL;DR

This study compares lipid profiles in Turkish endurance and strength athletes, finding that endurance athletes have better lipid profiles, possibly due to lower body fat and different diets.

Contribution

The study identifies waist-to-height ratio and body fat as key predictors of lipid abnormalities in athletes, independent of dietary energy intake.

Findings

Endurance athletes had lower BMI, body fat, and waist measurements compared to strength athletes and non-athletes.

Strength athletes showed higher LDL-C and ApoB levels and worse lipid ratios compared to endurance athletes.

Waist-to-height ratio and body fat were consistent predictors of adverse lipid outcomes across athlete groups.

Abstract

Regular physical activity can improve the blood lipid profile, yet athletes may still experience dyslipidemia. This study examined lipid profiles in Turkish endurance and strength athletes in relation to the dietary intake.

Eighty-four participants, including strength athletes (n = 45), endurance athletes (n = 20), and non-athletes (n = 19) were assessed for dietary intake (quantitative food-frequency questionnaire), body composition, and blood lipid profile.

Endurance athletes had a lower body mass index (BMI), body fat (%), fat mass, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio than strength athletes and non-athletes (p < 0.05). Endurance athletes derived a lower percentage of daily energy intake from protein and fat, a higher from carbohydrate, and consumed more dietary fiber (p < 0.05). Compared with endurance athletes, strength athletes showed higher serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL-C), LDL-C/HDL-C, and ApoB/ApoA-1 ratios, a higher atherogenic index, and lower levels of HDL-C and ApoA-1 (p < 0.05). Overall, athletes had lower serum triacylglycerol (TG), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and higher LDL-C levels than non-athletes (p < 0.05). Logistic regression models showed that waist-to-height ratio and body fat (%) were consistent predictors of adverse lipid outcomes, independent of dietary energy intake; strength athletes had higher odds of elevated LDL-C and ApoB, highlighting distinct lipid risks by sport group.

Endurance athletes displayed a more favorable lipid profile than strength athletes and non-athletes. Group differences in lipids likely reflect a combination of adiposity, dietary patterns, and sport-specific behaviors.

Figures