Relationship of Body Mass Index with High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Well-Trained Collegiate Male Athletes

Abstract

 Background In the general population, it is well documented that body mass index (BMI) is negatively related to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration. However, it is less clear whether the relationships between BMI and serum lipids and lipoproteins observed in the general population also apply to well-trained athletes. The purpose of this study was thus to examine the relationship of BMI with HDL-C in such individuals.
 Methods Thirty-four male rugby players and 31 male soccer players participated in the present study. These subjects were divided into 3 groups according to BMI: High, Middle, and Low Groups.
 Results The High Group showed significantly lower HDL-C, HDL₂-C than the Middle and Low Groups. Also, the High Group showed significantly lower apolipoproteins (apo) A-I than the Low Group. In the multiple regression analyses, BMI was negatively correlated with HDL-C, HDL₂-C, and apo A-I independent of other possible confounding factors.
 Conclusion These results suggest that BMI is associated with HDL-C, HDL₂-C, and apo A-I in the male well-trained athletes.