Distinct associations of intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal visceral adipose tissues with metabolic syndrome and its components

•There were the distinct implications of the two types of VAT for metabolic syndrome.•IVAT area index was independently associated with metabolic syndrome.•RVAT area index was not associated with metabolic syndrome.•IVAT area index was independently associated with C-WC, C-DM, C-TG, or C-HDL.•RVAT area index was independently associated with C-BP.