Introduction: In cross-sectional studies, total body fat mass and particularly central fat distribution are associated with greater arterial stiffness. How changes in body fat and body fat distribution impact on changes in large artery stiffness is unknown.

Methods: Data were derived from the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study (n=268; 126 male and 142 female). At age 36, body fat distribution was determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and arterial (carotid and femoral) properties were measured using ultrasound imaging. These measurements were repeated 6 years later. Data were analysed with multiple linear regression analyses.

Results: Increases in total body fat mass (standardized ß:−0.14, 95%CI:−0.37;0.08) and especially trunk fat mass (ß:−0.25, 95%CI:−0.49;−0.02) were associated with decreases in the carotid distensibility coefficient. In contrast, increases in peripheral lean mass were inversely associated with carotid Young’s elastic modulus (ß:−0.27, 95%CI:−0.49;−0.05). These associations were independent of changes in other body composition compartments or riskfactors (i.e. gender, mean arterial pressure, total/HDL cholesterol ratio, triglycerides, glycated heamoglobin, heart rate). Changes in body fat distribution were not associated with changes in femoral artery stiffness.

Conclusion: Increases in trunk fat mass during adulthood have adverse effects on carotid stiffness, whereas increases in peripheral lean mass may counteract this.