Metabolic disturbances in sedentary and active Polish male students with normal body mass index and waist circumference

Study aim: To evaluate circulating lipoproteins, glucose, insulin and the index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in male Polish students with normal BMI and waist circumference (WC) in the context of their physical activity.

Material and methods: A total 170 male students with normal BMI and WC less than 102 cm were accepted for the study (56 sedentary and 114 physically active). Body weight and height were determined using standard medical equipment. Waist circumference was measured using non-stretchable tape. The percentage of body fat was determined from the sum of the thickness of four skinfolds. Circulating lipoproteins, glucose and insulin level was determined.

Results: Active participants had significantly lower plasma TC, LDL-C, TC/HDL ratio, LDL/HDL ratio, insulin and HOMA-IR compared to sedentary subjects (P < 0.001). However, even among active participants, as many as 58% were characterized by high TG, 17% high TC, 12% high LDL-C and 20% high TG/HDL ratio.

Conclusion: In male students with normal body composition according to BMI and WC distorted metabolic variables were observed. Additionally, physical activity markedly decreased but not eliminated these disturbances. Thus, using BMI and WC for body composition classification as healthy possibly provide a false results concerning metabolic status.