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Association between percent body fat and the risk of prediabetes among Chinese adults: a 5-years longitudinal cohort study

Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Our study aimed to explore the potential influence of percent body fat (PBF) on the risk of developing prediabetes in Chinese individuals, considering the scarce evidence available on this relationship. Methods This study included 184,268 Chinese adults in a retrospective cohort design. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models along with cubic spline functions and smooth curve fitting to examine the correlation between initial PBF and the likelihood of prediabetes, investigating its nonlinear connection. We performed a variety of sensitivity and subgroup analyses to confirm the strength of our results. Results After adjusting for covariates, the study found a positive correlation between the PBF and the risk of prediabetes (HR = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.25–1.32, p < 0.0001).The risk of prediabetes increased progressively across quartiles of the PBF (Q1 to Q4), with Q4 showing a significantly higher risk compared to Q1.Additionally, there was a nonlinear correlation found between PBF and the likelihood of prediabetes, showing a turning point at 29.5.On the left side of the turning point, the hazard ratio was 1.13 with a 95% confidence interval from 1.08 to 1.19, whereas on the right side, the hazard ratio was 1.49 with a 95% confidence interval from 1.41 to 1.57.Interaction analysis showed that gender interacted with PBF. Conclusion In our research, we discovered a curved connection between PBF and the emergence of prediabetes in Chinese people, with a turning point at 29.5. Reducing PBF to below 29.5 may help maintain a lower risk of developing prediabetes.
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-92367-0
Authors: Xin Li, Haomiao Yu, Ke Yu, Zhenhua Huang, Zhe Deng
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
OpenAlex ID: W4408469336
FWCI:
Cites: 35
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Related to: 10