Physical Activity,Weight, and Waist Circumference in Midlife Women

During midlife years, women are at risk of increasing body weight and waist circumference. We evaluated changes in weight and waist circumference from enrollment to 2 years later and examined the influence of physical activity level on those changes among 232 women aged between 40 and 50. Weight increased significantly for the entire sample. Those who increased their physical activity from enrollment to 2 years later had the smallest increase in weight and had a slight decrease in waist circumference. To maintain ideal weight and waist circumference, midlife women should be encouraged to increase physical activity before and during the menopausal transition.     

Waist circumference and weight following smoking cessation in a general population: the Inter99 study

OBJECTIVE: Central obesity is an independent risk factor of mortality. Change in waist circumference after smoking cessation has not been previously reported in a population-based prospective study of both sexes. METHODS: Population-based study, Inter99, 1999-2001 in Copenhagen, Denmark. 2408 daily smokers completed questionnaires and had their waist circumference and weight measured. Of these, 221 biochemically verified non-smokers and 1122 continuous smokers attended 1-year follow-up and had their waist circumference and weight measured. RESULTS: The mean increase in waist circumference was 3.88 cm (+/-5.4 cm) and 42% of the quitters had increased their waist circumference by > or = 5 cm. Quitters with high baseline tobacco consumption (OR 1.05, 95% CI=1.0-1.1) and quitters with self-reported reduced physical activity (OR 3.4, 95% CI=1.5-7.7) were more likely to have substantially increased waist circumference. The mean weight gain in quitters was 4.22 kg (+/-4.3 kg) and 41% had gained at least 5 kg. Female quitters gained more weight and had a higher increase in waist circumference than men. Abstinence from smoking was the most important predictor of substantial weight gain and substantial increase in waist circumference. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking cessation resulted in substantial increase in weight and central fat, which might attenuate some of the beneficial effects of smoking cessation. Quitters who reduced their physical activity and persons with high baseline tobacco consumption were more likely to have had a substantial increase in abdominal fat. Abstinence from smoking was the most important predictor of short-term weight gain and increase in waist circumference. It is a challenge for future smoking cessation interventions to achieve a combination of high quit rates and weight-control.     

Total and abdominal obesity among rural Chinese women and the association with hypertension

Objective

Obesity increases the risk of hypertension and other chronic diseases, which are little known in rural China. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiologic features and the association with hypertension of obesity in rural Chinese women.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted during 2004 through 2006, which used a multistage cluster sampling method to select a representative sample in Liaoning Province, China. In total 23 178 rural participants at least 35 y of age were examined (the percentage of subjects >64 y old was 14.5%). Data on demographic variables (age, sex, and race), smoking status, use of alcohol, physical activity, and education level were obtained by interview. Overweight and obesity were defined according to the World Health Organization classification. Hypertension was defined according to the criteria established by the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee, and untreated hypertensive subjects were further classified into three subtypes: isolated systolic hypertension, isolated diastolic hypertension, and systolic and diastolic hypertension. Multivariable models and performed Poisson logistic regression analysis were used to determine associations among body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and variables.

Results

Overall, the prevalences of overweight and obesity were 24.4% and 2.7%, respectively, as defined by BMI, whereas the prevalences were 48.6% and 4.9% as defined by waist circumference. Poisson regression revealed that high levels of physical activity (defined by BMI, moderate: prevalence ratio [PR] 0.976, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.965-0.988, high: PR 0.985, 95% CI 0.971-0.999; defined by waist circumference, moderate: PR 0.955, 95% CI 0.944-0.965, high: PR 0.973, 95% CI 0.960-0.985) and current smoking status (defined by BMI, PR 0.950, 95% CI 0.938-0.962; defined by waist circumference, PR 0.966, 95% CI 0.954-0.978) were protective factors and ethnicity was a risk factor (defined by BMI, Mongolian nationality: PR 1.042, 95% CI 1.030-1.054; defined by waist circumference, PR 1.043, 95% CI 1.033-1.054) for overweight or obese participants. There were other risk factors for overweight or obese participants such as high levels of education defined by BMI (PR 1.033, 95% CI 1.010-1.058) and diet score defined by waist circumference (PR 1.004, 95% CI 1.000-1.008). After adjustment, BMI and waist circumference were associated with the greatest likelihood of systolic and diastolic hypertension (for BMI ≥30 kg/m², PR 2.455, 95% CI 1.786-3.374; for waist circumference ≥88 cm, PR 1.517, 95% CI 1.133-2.031). BMI was more related to isolated diastolic hypertension than to isolated systolic hypertension, whereas waist circumference was more related to isolated systolic hypertension than to isolated diastolic hypertension.

Conclusion

Although the prevalence of overweight and obesity as defined by BMI was low, it was relatively high as defined by waist circumference in rural Chinese women. High levels of physical activity and current smoking status had negative relations to overweight or obesity, whereas ethnicity, high levels of education, and diet score showed positive relations. Obese women defined by BMI or waist circumference had an increased risk of hypertension.     

中国育龄女性腹型肥胖相关因素的纵向多水平分析

目的纵向分析身体活动、静坐时间和膳食摄入水平对中国育龄女性腰围、腹型肥胖的影响。方法在"中国健康与营养调查"于2004、2006、2009、2011、2015年的五轮调查中,选择至少参加过两轮调查的2951名15~49岁的育龄女性为研究对象,采用问卷调查收集身体活动和静坐时间数据、采用连续3天24小时回顾法收集食物消费数据。采用方差分析对连续性变量的时间差异进行分析,采用卡方检验对分类变量的时间分布差异进行分析,采用线性多水平模型分析不同身体活动、静坐时间和膳食摄入水平与腰围的关系,采用Logistic多水平模型分析不同身体活动、静坐时间和膳食摄入水平与腹型肥胖的患病风险。结果将身体活动、静坐时间和膳食摄入水平分别纳入多水平模型后,与低水平休闲身体活动相比,中等水平休闲身体活动组的腰围增加了0.47 cm(P=0.025);与低水平电视时间相比,中、高水平电视时间组的腰围分别增加0.49 cm(P=0.033)和0.58 cm(P=0.013),发生腹型肥胖的相对危险度分别是1.13(P=0.049)和1.17(P=0.010);与深色蔬菜摄入不足组相比,摄入充足组的腰围减少0.82 cm(P<0.001),发生腹型肥胖的相对危险度是0.87(P=0.028);与低水平糕点摄入组相比,高水平摄入组的腰围增加1.16 cm(P<0.001),发生腹型肥胖的相对危险度是1.33(P<0.001)。将身体活动、静坐时间和膳食摄入水平同时纳入多水平模型后,电视时间和膳食摄入水平与腰围及腹型肥胖仍然存在统计学意义,且统计值相差不大。与低水平电视时间相比,中、高水平电视时间组的腰围分别增加0.54 cm (P=0.028)和0.58 cm (P=0.025),发生腹型肥胖的相对危险度为1.15(P=0.034)和1.18(P=0.011);与深色蔬菜摄入不足组相比,摄入充足组的腰围减少0.80 cm(P<0.001),发生腹型肥胖的相对危险度是0.87(P=0.027);与低水平糕点摄入组相比,高水平摄入组的腰围增加1.13 cm(P<0.001),发生腹型肥胖的相对危险度是1.32(P<0.001)。身体活动水平与腰围及腹型肥胖无统计学意义。结论电视时间、膳食因素(深色蔬菜摄入不足、糕点摄入过多)是影响中国育龄女性腹型肥胖的独立危险因素。除了加强体育活动外,预防育龄女性腹型肥胖还应该加强减少电视时间、推广适当膳食行为(增加深色蔬菜摄入、减少糕点摄入)的干预措施。     

Overweight,obesity and physical activity levels in Irish adults: evidence from the North/South Ireland food consumption survey

In the present paper the prevalence of obesity (BMI > or = 30 kg/m2) and current physical activity levels in Irish adults have been evaluated. The prevalence of obesity in Irish adults is currently 18%, with men at 20% and women at 16%. A further 47% of men and 33% of women are overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2). Since 1990, obesity has more than doubled in men from 8% to 20%, and increased from 13% to 16% in women. The highest prevalence of obesity (30%) was found in women aged 51-64years. Defined waist circumference action levels identified 48% of the population who are in need of weight management and who also are at a 1.5-4.5 times increased risk of having at least one cardiovascular disease risk factor. Physical activity levels were low overall. Men were more active in work and recreational pursuits than women, but women were more active in household activities. Walking was the most popular recreational pursuit. However, TV viewing occupied most of the leisure time of men and women. Higher levels of activity were associated with a lower BMI and waist circumference. The results indicate the need for sensitive and individualised strategies to promote physical activity and to achieve a healthy weight status.     

Effects of physical activity,body mass index,waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference on total mortality risk in the Swedish National March Cohort

The health benefits of physical activity (PA) have been well documented. However, there is less research investigating whether or not these health benefits might differ among males and females or among subjects characterized by different levels of body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist circumference (WC). Baseline total PA, BMI, WHR and waist circumference were measured in 14,585 men and 26,144 women who participated in the Swedish National March. Their effects on all-cause mortality were analyzed with a follow-up time of almost 10 years. Sedentary men with a BMI ≥ 30 had a 98% (95% CI: 30–201%) increased risk of mortality compared to normal weight men with a high level of total PA. The same trend was observed for sedentary men with high WHR or waist circumference, compared to lean and highly active men. Sedentary women with a waist circumference of 88 cm or more had almost doubled, i.e. 97% (95% CI: 35–189%) increased mortality risk compared to physically active women with a waist circumference below 80 cm. BMI in men, but waist circumference in women better forecast all-cause mortality. We found no substantial effect modification between different measures of adiposity and physical activity—physical inactivity and obesity seem to increase total mortality risk independently and additively.     

Country of birth, acculturation status and abdominal obesity in a national sample of Mexican-American women and men

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the influence of country of birth and acculturation status on indicators of obesity using national samples of Mexican-American women and men. METHODS: We analysed data for 1387 Mexican-American women and 1404 Mexican- American men, ages 25-64, from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994). We examined whether waist circumference and abdominal obesity varied by country of birth and acculturation status (primary language spoken), and whether among those with abdominal obesity, number of associated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors varied by country of birth and acculturation status. RESULTS: Both country of birth and, to a lesser degree, acculturation status were significantly associated with waist circumference and abdominal obesity. Mexican-born women and men had the smallest waist circumference (90.4 cm, 94.0 cm respectively), US-born English-speaking women and men had intermediate waist circumference (93.6 cm, 97.3 cm), and US-born Spanish-speaking women and men had the largest waist circumference (96.9 cm, 97.7 cm), after accounting for age, education, per cent of energy from dietary fat, leisure-time physical activity, and smoking. All women had high prevalences of abdominal obesity, particularly US-born Spanish-speaking women (68.7%). In addition, US-born Spanish-speaking women with abdominal obesity were significantly more likely than their counterparts to have one or more of the following CVD risk factors: high serum insulin, non-insulin dependent diabetes, high blood lipids, and/or hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: These findings illustrate the heterogeneity of the Mexican-American population and suggest that country of birth and lack of acculturation to the majority culture, as well as secondary lifestyle changes, may explain the significant clinical differences observed in abdominal obesity within Mexican-American population subgroups.     

Waist circumference and mortality

The authors examined the association between waist circumference and mortality among 154,776 men and 90,757 women aged 51-72 years at baseline (1996-1997) in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. Additionally, the combined effects of waist circumference and body mass index (BMI; weight (kg)/height (m)(2)) were examined. All-cause mortality was assessed over 9 years of follow-up (1996-2005). After adjustment for BMI and other covariates, a large waist circumference (fifth quintile vs. second) was associated with an approximately 25% increased mortality risk (men: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15, 1.29; women: HR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.41). The waist circumference-mortality association was found in persons with and without prevalent disease, in smokers and nonsmokers, and across different racial/ethnic groups (non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians). Compared with subjects with a combination of normal BMI (18.5-<25) and normal waist circumference, those in the normal-BMI group with a large waist circumference (men: > or =102 cm; women: > or =88 cm) had an approximately 20% higher mortality risk (men: HR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.39; women: HR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.36). The finding that persons with a normal BMI but a large waist circumference had a higher mortality risk in this study suggests that increased waist circumference should be considered a risk factor for mortality, in addition to BMI.     

Changes in health-related behaviours and cardiovascular risk factors in young adults: associations with living with a partner

OBJECTIVE: To examine changes in cardiovascular risk factors and health-related behaviours in young Australian adults at a stage of transition from the family environment. STUDY DESIGN: Repeated surveys between 9 and 25 years of age in a community-based group that included 569 eighteen-year-olds and 600 twenty-five-year-olds. RESULTS: There were significant increases (P < 0.001 for all variables) in body mass index (BMI) [men 2.5 kg/m2 (2.0); women 1.7 kg/m2 (2.9)], waist girth [men 7.6 cm (6.5); women 4.3 cm (7.2)], BP (systolic/diastolic) [men 5(12)/7(8) mm Hg; women 3(10)/6(7) mm Hg] and in total cholesterol [men 15% increase; women 9%]. The proportion of sedentary behaviour increased from 19% to 39% in men (P < 0.001) and from 40% to 41% (P = 0.801) in women. Cohabitation was associated with significantly greater increases in BMI, waist circumference, and total cholesterol, associated with dietary change in women and decreased physical activity in men. In mothers, waist girth increased by 8.0 cm (0.1) compared with 3.5 cm (0.6) in women without children (P = 0.003), and physical fitness decreased [-0.5 W/kg (0.4) vs. 1.2 W/kg (0.2), respectively; P = 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Encouragement of a healthy lifestyle, particularly physical activity, should be a priority in this age group, particularly among newly cohabiting couples and in young mothers.     

Physical activity is associated with risk factors for chronic disease across adult women's life cycle

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the association of age (young, midlife, and older) and activity level (active and sedentary), determined by a pedometer, with risk factors of chronic disease, including body composition, dietary intake, serum lipids, insulin, leptin, C-reactive protein (CRP), plasma glucose, and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in women across the adult life cycle. METHODS: Young (aged 20 to 30 years) (n=49), midlife (aged 40 to 50 years) (n=62), and older (aged 60 years and older) (n=47) women were recruited for this cross-sectional study. For 7 days, participants completed weighed food records and wore a pedometer. Based on the average number of steps per day, the women were further classified as active (>/=7,500 steps per day) or sedentary (<7,500 steps per day). Height, weight, and waist circumference were determined for each participant. Fasting blood samples were taken to assess serum lipid, CRP, insulin, leptin, thyroid stimulating hormone, and plasma glucose levels. RMR and body composition (via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) were assessed. RESULTS: Young and midlife women had lower concentrations compared to older women for serum cholesterol (P<0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P<0.01), triglycerides (P<0.01), leptin (P<0.01), and plasma glucose (P<0.01); midlife women had lower serum insulin concentrations vs young and older groups (P=0.01); young women had smaller waist circumference compared to midlife and older groups (P<0.01); percent body fat (P<0.01) and percent fat-free mass (P<0.01) differed between all ages. Lower values were found in active vs sedentary women for serum insulin (P=0.02), serum leptin (P<0.01), waist circumference (P<0.01) and percent body fat (P<0.01). A higher percent fat-free mass (P<0.01) was also found in active compared to sedentary women. No differences were found between activity groups for serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, CRP, plasma glucose levels, or RMR. RMR was higher in young and midlife vs the older women (P<0.01). Significant inverse correlations were found between activity (steps per day) and body mass index, insulin level, CRP concentration, leptin level, waist circumference, and body fat. Significant positive correlations were found between age and body mass index, total serum cholesterol level, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, serum triglyceride level, leptin level, plasma glucose level, CRP concentration, waist circumference, and body fat. Young and midlife women reported consuming more relative energy (kilocalories per kilogram body weight) and protein (grams per kilogram body weight) than older women (P<0.01). The midlife women reported consuming more dietary cholesterol compared to the young and older women (P<0.01). Active women reported a higher relative energy (kilocalories per kilogram body weight) and protein (grams per kilogram body weight) intake vs the sedentary women (P<0.01). Active women also reported a higher intake of dietary carbohydrates (grams per day, P<0.01; percent of energy, P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these results indicate that younger age and greater physical activity, despite age, are associated with fewer risk factors for chronic disease, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.     

Cut-off points for anthropometric indices of adiposity: differential classification in a large population of young women

Anthropometric indices of adiposity include BMI, waist circumference and waist:height ratio. In the recruitment phase of a prospective cohort study carried out between 1998 and 2002 we studied a population sample of 11 786 white Caucasian non-pregnant women in Southampton, UK aged 20-34 years, and explored the extent to which proposed cut-off points for the three indices identified the same or different women and how these indices related to adiposity. Height, weight and waist circumference were measured and fat mass was estimated from skinfold thicknesses; fat mass index was calculated as fat mass/height1.65. Of the subjects, 4869 (42 %) women were overweight (BMI > or = 25 kg/m2) and 1849 (16 %) were obese (BMI > or = 30 kg/m2). A total of 890 (8 %) subjects were not overweight but had a waist circumference > or = 80 cm and 748 (6 %) subjects were overweight but had a waist circumference < 80 cm (6 %). Of the women, 50 % had a BMI > or = 25 kg/m2 or a waist circumference > or = 80 cm or a waist:height ratio > or = 0.5. Of the variation in fat mass index, 85 % was explained by BMI, 76 % by waist circumference and 75 % by waist:height ratio. Our findings demonstrate that many women are differentially classified depending on which index of adiposity is used. As each index captures different aspects of size in terms of adiposity, there is the need to determine how the three indices relate to function and how they can be of use in defining risk of ill health in women.     

Changes in body weight and body fat distribution as risk factors for clinical diabetes in US men

Although previous studies have linked obesity to diabetes, the risks associated with weight gain or changes in body fat distribution have not been fully elucidated. The authors therefore prospectively examined the relations between changes in body weight and body fat distribution (1986-1996) and the subsequent risk of diabetes (1996-2000) among 22,171 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Weight gain was monotonically related to risk, and for every kilogram of weight gained, risk increased by 7.3%. A gain in abdominal fat was positively associated with risk, independent of the risk associated with weight change. Compared with men who had a stable waist, men who increased waist circumference by 14.6 cm or more had 1.7 (95% confidence interval: 1.0, 2.8) times the risk of diabetes after controlling for weight gain. In contrast, men who lost more than 4.1 cm in hip girth had 1.5 (95% confidence interval: 1.0, 2.3) times the risk of diabetes compared with men with stable hip circumference. Fifty-six percent of the cases of diabetes in this cohort could be attributed to weight gain greater than 7 kg, and 20 percent of the cases could be attributed to a waist gain exceeding 2.5 cm. Our findings underscore the critical importance of maintaining weight and waist to reduce the risk of diabetes.     

Dietary fat and risk of postmenopausal breast cancer in a 20-year follow-up

Dietary fat in midlife has not been associated with breast cancer risk in most studies, but few have followed women beyond one decade. The authors examined the relation of dietary fat, assessed by repeated questionnaires, to incidence of postmenopausal breast cancer in a cohort of 80,375 US women (3,537 new cases) prospectively followed for 20 years between 1980 and 2000. The multivariable relative risk for an increment of 5% of energy from total dietary fat intake was 0.98 (95% confidence interval: 0.95, 1.00). Additionally, specific types of fat were not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Furthermore, secondary analyses indicated no differences in breast cancer risk by estrogen receptor or progesterone receptor status. However, stratification by waist circumference indicated a significant decrease in breast cancer risk for participants with a waist circumference of 35 inches (88.9 cm) or greater (p-trend = 0.04). None of the latency intervals investigated were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. In addition, fat intake before menopause was not related to risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. These results suggest a reduction in breast cancer risk for women with insulin resistance syndrome who consume high-fat diets and no association between specific sources of fat during midlife and risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.     

Obesity-related comorbidities in obese African Americans in an outpatient weight loss program

OBJECTIVE: To identify, among obese African-American enrollees in an outpatient weight loss program, differences between those with and without obesity-related comorbidities (ORCMs). RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Data were from 237 obese African Americans (BMI, 30 to 50 kg/m2; 90% women) who enrolled in a 10-week lifestyle weight loss program. Analyses compared subgroups defined by ORCM status (from medical history) on baseline characteristics, program attendance, and postprogram weight change. RESULTS: Most participants (76%) had one or more ORCMs. Those with versus without ORCMs, respectively, were older (mean age, 45.6 vs. 37.1 years; p < 0.001), were less educated (59.2% vs. 76.6% with > 12 years; p = 0.031), were more likely to perceive a physical limitation affecting activity (22.2% vs. 1.8%; p < 0.001), and had higher waist circumference (mean, 113.7 vs. 106.9 cm; p < 0.001) but not BMI (38.3 vs. 37.0 kg/m2; p = 0.095). Logistic regression analyses confirmed the independence of these associations. Having ORCMs was not associated with class attendance or return for data collection after the 10-week program. Postprogram weight change (n = 134) was unrelated to ORCMs, but better weight loss was seen among those without perceived physical limitations (1.9 vs. 0.4 kg in those without versus with limitations; p = 0.069). Conclusion: Data from this clinical sample of obese African Americans suggest that waist circumference is relevant to ORCM status at BMI levels up to 50 kg/m2. Clear indications for tailoring of treatment based on ORCM status were not identified, although the possible influence of ORCM-related activity limitations warrants further study.     

Weight status,abdominal adiposity,diabetes, and early age-related lens opacities

BACKGROUND: The association between weight status and the risk of lens opacities has received little attention. OBJECTIVE: We examined the cross-sectional relations of body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)), waist circumference, and diabetes with the presence of age-related lens opacities. DESIGN: Eye examinations were conducted in 466 Boston-area women aged 53-73 y who were without previously diagnosed cataracts and were part of the Nurses' Health Study cohort. Weight, height, waist, and hip measurements were obtained by self-report. Lens status was evaluated by using the Lens Opacification Classification System III (LOCS III). BMI and waist circumference were used as measures of overweight and abdominal adiposity, respectively. Nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular (PSC) opacities were defined as LOCS III scores > or = 2.5, > or = 1.0, and > or = 0.5, respectively. Diabetes was defined as a history of type 2 diabetes or as a fasting plasma glucose concentration > or = 7.0 mmol/L. RESULTS: Women with diabetes were significantly more likely to have PSC opacities [odds ratio (OR): 4.1; 95% CI: 1.8, 9.4] than were women with fasting plasma glucose concentrations < 6.1 mmol/L. Women with a BMI > or = 30 had a higher prevalence of PSC opacities than did women with a BMI < 25 (OR: 2.5; 1.2, 5.2), and women with a waist circumference > or = 89 cm had a higher prevalence of PSC opacities than did those with a waist circumference < 80 cm (OR: 2.3; 1.0, 5.2). Diabetes and measures of adiposity were unrelated to the prevalence of cortical and nuclear opacities. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes is a strong risk factor for PSC opacities, and overweight and abdominal adiposity may be risk factors for PSC opacities.     

Relationship between changes in body weight and waist circumference in Japanese

Objectives  We investigated the correlation between changes in body weight and body composition parameters. Methods  We used the data of 2635 Japanese (40.2±12.2 years) at baseline and at 1-year follow-up from a database of 13522 subjects, which is available at the Okayama Southern Institute of Health in Okayama prefecture, Japan. Body weight, waist circumference at the umbilical level, hip circumference, and body fat percentage were used in the analyses. Results  Body composition parameters were significantly reduced after 1 year. Changes in body weight significantly correlated with changes in waist circumference, changes in hip circumference, and changes in body fat percentage. A decrease in body weight of 3 kg corresponded to a 3.45 cm decrease in waist circumference in men and a 2.83 cm decrease in that in women. Conclusion  A decrease in body weight of 3 kg corresponded to an almost 3 cm decrease in waist circumference at the umbilical level in Japanese men and women.     

Association of body composition and weight history with breast cancer prognostic markers: divergent pattern for Hispanic and non-Hispanic White women

Body composition and weight gain are breast cancer risk factors that may influence prognosis. The Health, Eating, Activity, and Lifestyle Study was designed to evaluate the relations of body composition, weight history, hormones, and lifestyle factors to prognosis for women with breast cancer. In the cross-sectional analysis of this cohort study specific to 150 Hispanic and 466 non-Hispanic White women in New Mexico diagnosed between 1996 and 1999, the authors hypothesized that obesity measures are associated with baseline prognostic markers and that these associations are modified by ethnicity. Ethnic-stratified multiple logistic regression analyses showed divergent results for a tumor size of 1.0 cm or more and, to a lesser extent, positive lymph node status. Among Hispanics, the highest quartile for body mass index (29.5 vs. <22.5 kg/m2: odds ratio (OR) = 0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03, 0.84) and for waist circumference (> or =95.0 vs. <78.5 cm: OR = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.78) was significantly associated with a reduced tumor size. In contrast, for overweight and obese non-Hispanic White women, there was an increased association with obesity-related measures, particularly striking for the highest quartile of waist circumference (OR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.45, 5.26). These findings suggest that Hispanics may have a different breast cancer phenotype than non-Hispanic Whites, which associates differently with body composition and weight history.     

The relationship among obesity, menopausal status, and health behavior among middle-aged women in a rural community of southern Taiwan

In this study we explored the relationship among obesity, menopausal status, and health behavior among middle-aged women in a rural community of southern Taiwan. This was a cross-sectional study using a face-to-face interview to collect data. Sixty middle-aged women from four community centers participated in this study. The results indicated that approximately 23.3% of the women had body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 kg/m(2), and 38.3% of the women's waist girths were above 80 cm. Both BMI and waist circumference (WC) of the middle-aged women were significantly different between reproductive and postmenopausal status. The variable of nutrition-related health behavior was significantly and negatively associated with the BMI levels and accounted for 12% of the total variance. An understanding of the factors that contribute to obesity is provided among middle-aged women in Taiwan's rural communities.     

The Relationship Among Obesity,Menopausal Status,and Health Behavior Among Middle-Aged Women in a Rural Community of Southern Taiwan

In this study we explored the relationship among obesity, menopausal status, and health behavior among middle-aged women in a rural community of southern Taiwan. This was a cross-sectional study using a face-to-face interview to collect data. Sixty middle-aged women from four community centers participated in this study. The results indicated that approximately 23.3% of the women had body mass index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m², and 38.3% of the women's waist girths were above 80 cm. Both BMI and waist circumference (WC) of the middle-aged women were significantly different between reproductive and postmenopausal status. The variable of nutrition-related health behavior was significantly and negatively associated with the BMI levels and accounted for 12% of the total variance. An understanding of the factors that contribute to obesity is provided among middle-aged women in Taiwan's rural communities.