Visceral-to-peripheral adiposity ratio: a critical determinant of sex and ethnic differences in cardiovascular risks among Asian Indians and African Creoles in Mauritius

Background/Aims Coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality are higher in people of South Asian origin than in those of African origin. We investigated whether as young adults without diabetes, people in Mauritius of South Asian descent (Indians) would show a more adverse cardiovascular risk profile that those of predominantly African descent (Creoles), and whether this could be explained by ethnic differences in visceral adiposity or other fat distribution patterns. Methods The study was conducted in 189 young non-physically active adults, with the following measurements conducted after an overnight fast: anthropometry (weight, height, waist circumference), whole-body and regional body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, blood pressure, and blood assays for glycemic (glucose and HbA1c) and lipid profile (triglycerides and cholesterols). Results The results indicate higher serum triglycerides and lower HDL cholesterol in men than in women, and in Indians than in Creoles ( p