Obesity and cholesterol: A cross-sectional analysis of Qatar Biobank data.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major health concern in Qatar, with ischemic heart disease being the leading cause of mortality. Suboptimal cholesterol levels represent a major risk factor for CVD. Suboptimal cholesterol levels are highly prevalent among adults worldwide, including in the Middle East and North Africa region. Obesity, a major risk factor for suboptimal cholesterol, is highly prevalent in Qatar and contributes significantly to both mortality and morbidity. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in a specific population in Qatar, and to assess their associations with obesity. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study was derived from the Qatar Biobank, a population-based biobank that recruits Qatari nationals or long-term residents aged 18 years and above. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to assess the associations between TC, LDL, HDL, and obesity levels defined by body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Results: Of 1,000 participants, 920 were included in the study. Approximately 37% of women had higher TC (≥ 5.18 mmol/L), 28% had higher LDL (≥ 3.4 mmol/L), and 36% had lower HDL (<1.3 mmol/L). Among men, 43% had higher TC, 41% had higher LDL, and 22% had lower HDL. HDL levels were significantly associated with higher BMI and WC in both women (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for obese vs normal weight = 3.60, 95% CI: 1.86-6.94; aOR for higher WC vs lower WC = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.42-3.90) and men (aOR for obese vs normal weight = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.48-6.11; aOR for higher WC vs lower WC = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.27-3.55). In men, higher BMI was significantly associated with increased odds of higher TC (aOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.38-4.36) and LDL (aOR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.42-4.56), while no significant associations were found in women. Conclusion: Both women and men with higher BMI and WC had significantly lower HDL levels. Additionally, men with higher BMI were at increased risk for higher TC and LDL levels, whereas no significant associations were observed in women. Further research is needed to examine the associations between cholesterol types and metabolic syndrome components in representative populations with adequate sample sizes.