Dynapenic Abdominal Obesity Linked to Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted in China's Guangdong province has shed light on the relationship between dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The study, led by Xiangming Hu of the Southern Medical University, analyzed data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, which spanned from 2011 to 2018. The findings suggest that individuals with DAO are at a significantly higher risk of developing CVD.

Key Takeaways:

  • The presence of dynapenia further increased the risk of CVD in individuals with abdominal obesity, with a 1.7-fold increase in risk for men and a 2.3-fold increase in risk for women.
  • The study found that the prevalence of DAO was 12.1% in men and 15.6% in women, indicating a significant burden of this condition in the study population.
  • Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study showed that individuals with DAO were more likely to experience declines in handgrip strength, a common indicator of muscle mass loss, compared to those without DAO.
  • The researchers conclude that their findings suggest that identifying and managing DAO may be crucial in preventing CVD in individuals at high risk.
  • The study's lead author, Xiangming Hu, emphasizes the need for further research to understand the mechanisms underlying the link between DAO and CVD.
  • The study provides evidence for the importance of handgrip strength as a predictor of CVD risk in individuals with DAO.

Statistics:

  • 12.1% of men and 15.6% of women in the study population had dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO).
  • The risk of CVD was 1.7-fold higher in men with DAO and 2.3-fold higher in women with DAO compared to those without DAO.
  • The study analyzed a total of 8,116 participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.
  • Data collection spanned from 2011 to 2018.
  • The study found that individuals with DAO were 30% more likely to experience a decline in handgrip strength over time.

Sources:

  • Xiaoming Hu, et al. "Dynapenic abdominal obesity and the risk of cardiovascular diseases: findings from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study." Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 2025;37(1):290. Available at: Springer, One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY, United States.
  • The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, cited as: Tian, et al. "China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS): Wave 1 of 2011." The Chinese Journal of Population Science, 2013; 2(2): 136-145.