Association between lipid accumulation product and asthma in US adults: evidence from the NHANES 2005–2020

BACKGROUND: Obesity has been recognized as a risk factor for both the onset and progression of asthma. The lipid accumulation product (LAP) is considered a reliable surrogate marker for visceral adiposity and its related metabolic complications. This study aimed to investigate the potential association between LAP and asthma in adults. METHODS: Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2005 to March 2020. Multivariable logistic regression, smooth curve fitting, threshold effect analysis and subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between LAP and asthma in adults. In addition, sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the stability. RESULTS: Within the sample of 16,861 participants, 1,432 (8.5%) were diagnosed with current asthma. After full adjustment, each one-unit increase in ln LAP was associated with 39% higher odds of asthma prevalence. Compared with those in the lowest quartile (Q1), participants in the highest quartile (Q4) of ln LAP had a 65% increase in the odds of asthma (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.15-2.38). In addition, gender difference and diabetes status altered the association between LAP and asthma (P for interaction < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights a significant association between LAP and asthma prevalence in adults, particularly among females and individuals with diabetes.