1.Integrating Body Composition and Biochemical Markers for Metabolic Risk Stratification in Lifestyle Intervention
Mohd Nahar Azmi Bin Mohamed ; Nor Zurina Zainol ; Ng Ai Kah
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):57-58
Introduction:
Obesity is a heterogeneous metabolic disease in which
individuals with similar body weight may exhibit
markedly different physiological risk profiles. Conventional monitoring using weight alone may fail to capture
underlying metabolic and cellular changes during
lifestyle intervention. Integrating body composition and
biochemical markers may improve risk stratification in
clinical practice.
Methodology:
A prospective observational analysis was conducted among
participants enrolled in a structured lifestyle programme.
Baseline and follow-up assessments included biochemical
markers (fasting glucose, renal function, lipid profile, and
liver enzymes) alongside body composition parameters
derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis, including
percent body fat, visceral fat area, skeletal muscle index
(SMI), and phase angle (PhA). Changes over time and
associations between metabolic and body composition
variables were analyzed.
Results:
Metabolic responses varied substantially despite similar
anthropometric profiles. Renal function improved significantly, with increased estimated glomerular filtration rate
(eGFR) observed over time (p = 0.01), and was inversely
associated with fasting glucose (r = −0.41, p <0.01). Lipid
abnormalities persisted, although reductions in lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol were noted (p = 0.04). Total
cholesterol remained elevated and correlated positively
with fasting glucose (r = 0.36, p = 0.02). Improvements
in aspartate aminotransferase were observed (p = 0.03),
while other liver markers remained stable. Notably,
body composition parameters, including PhA and SMI,
demonstrated variability independent of weight change,
reflecting heterogeneous physiological adaptation.
Conclusion
Metabolic and physiological responses to lifestyle
intervention are heterogeneous and not fully captured
by changes in body weight alone. The integration of
bioimpedance-derived parameters with biochemical
markers provides a more comprehensive approach
to metabolic risk stratification and may support more
personalized clinical management in obesity care.
Biomarkers
;
Risk Assessment
;
Body Composition


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