Background & Objective: The Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) is a widely used indicator for assessing insulin sensitivity and predicting early metabolic dysfunction. Dyslipidemia characterized by abnormal levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and lipoproteins often accompanies insulin resistance and further contributes to cardiometabolic risks. Occupational groups with prolonged sedentary behavior, such as cab drivers, face increased vulnerability to metabolic disturbances due to limited physical activity, irregular eating habits, long working hours, and heightened stress levels. In the Thi-Qar Governorate of Iraq, male cab drivers represent a population at potential risk of developing metabolic abnormalities; however, limited research has investigated the relationship between insulin resistance and lipid profile in this group. Understanding this association is essential for identifying early markers of metabolic risk and guiding preventive health strategies for this underserved occupational population.
 Materials & Methods: Eighty apparently healthy male cab drivers aged 20–61 years were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Clinical evaluations included lipid profile analysis, measurement of body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and fasting blood sampling to calculate HOMA-IR. These variables were assessed to determine potential relationships between insulin resistance and lipid metabolism.
Results:  A considerable proportion of participants showed elevated HOMA-IR values, along with increased levels of LDL-c, triglycerides, and total cholesterol above normal reference limits. Many individuals also exhibited high BMI and WHR values and reported extended daily work hours. HOMA-IR demonstrated significant positive correlations with WHR, triglycerides, LDL-c, and total cholesterol, while showing an inverse relationship with HOMA-IR and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
Conclusion:  Significant alterations in anthropometric measures and lipid profiles were observed even among individuals without clinically evident disease. Elevated lipid levels were strongly associated with increased insulin resistance and higher blood insulin levels. The findings suggest that insulin resistance plays a key role in the development of dyslipidemia in seemingly healthy working populations. To help prevent metabolic complications, our findings emphasize the importance of maintaining overall physical health, particularly by keeping BMI and WHR within healthy ranges.