Correlation of waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio with maximal aerobic capacity in young adults

Background: Central obesity or abdominal obesity doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease when compared to gynoid pattern of fat distribution. Maximal oxygen consumption (V.O2max) is an index of aerobic capacity and low level of V.O2maxis an established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of central obesity on V.O2maxin young adults. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study with 133 apparently healthy subjects (male = 83, female = 50) in the age group of 17–25 years was carried out. Waist circumference (WC) was measured by fiberglass measuring tape to nearest 0.1 cm. V.O2maxwas measured by submaximal treadmill exercise test by first two stages of Bruce protocol. Data were analyzed using unpaired t-test and Pearson correlation according to necessity. Results: Male subjects (n = 83) had statistically significant (P < 0.0001) higher V.O2max(mean ± standard deviation) (38.024 ± 6.243) than the female subjects (n = 50) (33.611 ± 3.470). WC showed negative correlation with V.O2max(r = −0.629, P < 0.0001). Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) showed more negative correlation (r = −0.728, P < 0.0001) with V.O2max. Conclusions: Male has more aerobic capacity than female. Increase in WC and WHtR are associated with decreases in V.O2max. When compared to WC, WHtR is better predictor variable for V.O2max.