Objective To assess the value of body adiposity index (BAI) as a marker of obesity and predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Materials and methods A cross-sectional study in 527 volunteers from the education and automotive sector in Bogotá, Colombia. BAI was calculated using the Bergman et al. equation ([hip circumference in cm)/[height in m2]1.5 ? 18]). Anthropometric, clinical and laboratory data were collected, cholesterol/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C; triglycerides/HDL-C and lipid-metabolic index (LMI) ratios were calculated. Prevalence rates and means, according to tertiles (T), and multivariate analysis between the BAI and anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory markers were estimated. Results Obesity prevalence was 33.9% (BAI > 27.5%). Subjects with lower BAI (T-1) had lower cholesterol, triglycerides/HDL-C, and cholesterol/HDL-C levels and better LMI; P < .001. The multivariate model showed in T-3 subjects an OR 3.33 (95% CI 2.16–5.13) for central obesity and an OR 3.39 (95% CI 2.34–4.90) for increased visceral fat. As regards lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, BAI was able to predict the risk OR 7.95 (95% CI 4.88–12.94), OR 1.60 (95% CI 1.03–2.41), OR 1.69 (95% CI 1.06–2.70) and OR 9.27 (95% CI 2.01–21.80), shows a significant association between cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and glucose respectively, P < 0.001. Conclusion A high prevalence of obesity by BAI was observed, and statistically positive associations with cardiovascular risk factors were shown.