Serum Gamma-glutamyltransferase and Obesity: is there a Link?

Background: Little data is available on gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and body fat distribution in healthy individuals. We examined whether GGT within normal range is prospectively associated with total body fat (TF) and regional body fat distribution.

Methods: We included 62 patients who were presented at Eureka Health and Research Foundation Clinic. GGT was measured by enzymatic photometry method. TF, android fat (AF), gynoid fat (GF) and android/gynoid ratio (A/G ratio) was assessed using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Regression coefficients and 95% Confidence Intervals were calculated using multivariate linear regression models adjusting for confounders.

Results: Mean value of GGT of the study population was 21.64U/L (ranging from 6 to 48 U/L). There was no association between GGT and TF. Increased GGT was associated with higher AF (top tertile relative to the lowest: ß=0.35; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.52), lower GF(top tertile relative to the lowest: ß=-0.48; 95%CI: -0.69,.-0.27) and higher AF/GF ratio (top tertile relative to the lowest: ß=0.04; 95%CI: 0.03, 0.06).

Conclusions: This study suggests that an increase in GGT concentrations is a sensitive and early biomarker of unfavorable body fat distribution.