Obesity, abdominal obesity, and clustering of cardiovascular risk factors in South Korea

The aim of this study was first, to investigate the prevalence of obesity, abdominal obesity, and clustering of cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors, and secondly, to identify the BMI or waist circumference (WC) level at which clustering increases in South Koreans. A population-based, cross-sectional National Health Examination Survey was carried out in 1998. A total of 8,816 subjects (4,029 men and 4,787 women) aged 15-79 y were selected by stratified multistage probability sampling design. The measurements taken of the subjects included: height, weight, waist and hip circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lipids. The prevalence of BMI > or = 25 kg/m2 was 25.3% for men and 28.3% for women. The prevalence of WC >90 cm in men, and >80 cm in women was 18.5%, and 38.5%, respectively. Clustering of 3 or more CVD risk factors was 22.7% in men ad 21.7% in women. Using <21 kg/m2; as a referent, subjects with BMI of 23 kg/m2; and 27 kg/m2; had an odds ratio of 3.5 and 10.2 in men, and 3.1 and 6.7 in women, respectively for clustering of CVD risk factors. Using <65 cm as a referent, subjects with a WC of > or = 90 cm in men and > or = 85 cm in women had an odds ratio of 13.4, and 13.6, respectively for clustering of CVD risk factors. Considering the significant associations between clustering of CVD risk factors and BMI or WC, the present study suggests that high prevalence of overweight may have important implications for the health care system, even at a lower level of BMI or WC.     

Derivation of anthropometric cut-off levels to define CVD risk in Sri Lankan adults

Obesity is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Anthropometric cut-off values derived for Caucasians may not be applicable to other populations. The main objective of the present study was to derive population-specific anthropometric cut-off values to define high CVD risk for Sri Lankan adults. A nationally representative sample of 4474 non-institutionalised adults aged ≥?18 years was analysed. Cut-off values to provide optimum sensitivity and specificity were derived using receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), blood pressure and overnight fasting venous blood samples were collected to measure glucose, HDL-cholesterol and TAG. An oral glucose tolerance test was also performed. The results suggested that the age-adjusted BMI, WC and WHR were significantly associated with all cardiovascular risk factors (P?相似文献   

不同体重指数和腰围水平与其他心血管病危险因素聚集的关系

目的探讨不同体重指数(BMI)和腰围水平对人群中其他心血管病危险因素聚集的影响.方法将1992～1994年和1998年在我国不同地区中年人群中进行的2次心血管病危险因素调查资料合并共30 561人,比较不同BMI和腰围分组的研究对象其他心血管病危险因素聚集率和聚集的相对危险,其中危险因素聚集定义为同一研究对象具有高血压、高血清总胆固醇、低高密度脂蛋白胆固醇或空腹血糖异常之中的任意2项或2项以上者.结果随着BMI和(或)腰围的增加,人群其他心血管病危险因素的聚集率呈明显上升趋势, 按BMI分层各组中,男女两性腰围与其他心血管病危险因素的聚集率均呈明显的线性上升趋势,同样在不同的腰围分组中,BMI均与其他心血管病危险因素的聚集率呈明显的线性趋势.男性和女性年龄调整心血管病危险因素聚集率在BMI<24 kg/m2、腰围(男/女)<85/80 cm组分别为11.1%和10.4%,BMI<24 kg/m2、腰围(男/女)85～95.9/80～89.9 cm组分别为24.2%和16.9%, BMI 24.0～27.9 kg/m2、腰围(男/女)<85/80 cm组分别为24.0%和17.0%,BMI 24～27.9 kg/m2、腰围(男/女)85～95.9 /80～89.9 cm组分别为34.3%和24.0%. BMI 24.0～27.9 kg/m2、腰围(男/女)≥95/90 cm组分别为40.8%和29.6%,BMI≥28 kg/m2、腰围(男/女)85～95.9/80～89.9 cm组分别为44.2%和29.9%,BMI≥28 kg/m2、腰围(男/女)≥95/90 cm组分别为54.7%和35.4%.结论 BMI和腰围水平均与其他心血管病危险因素的聚集有独立的正相关性.保持BMI和腰围均在正常范围对心血管健康是很重要的.     

简易体脂参数估测腹内型肥胖的可靠性评价

目的：评价体重指数（BMI）、腰围（WC）、腰臀比（WHR）估测腹内型肥胖的最佳临界点及敏感度、特异度。方法：应用核磁共振（MRI）对690名受试者（男305人，女385人）进行腹内脂肪（VA）测量，同时测量BMI、WC、WHR。以受试者工作特性（ROC）曲线评价简易体脂参数对腹内型肥胖的诊断价值。结果：①经MRI诊断，超重／肥胖者中61．7％，正常体重者中14．2％呈腹内型肥胖（VA≥100cm^2）；②BMI、WC、WHR与腹内脂肪面积呈显著正相关，尤以WC的相关性最好;③简易体脂参数估测腹内脂肪积聚的最佳切割点为BMI：26kg/m^2,WC:90cm,WHR:0.93;④BMI≥28kg/m^2、WC≥95cm时，95％的男性及90％左右的女性呈腹内型肥胖。结论：BMI、WC及WHR都可估测腹内型肥胖，但以腰围的准确率稍高。     

Prospective study of optimal obesity index cutoffs for predicting development of multiple metabolic risk factors: the korean genome and epidemiology study

Background: In this prospective cohort study, we estimated the risk of developing more than 1 metabolic risk factor, using different obesity indices. In addition, we investigated the relative usefulness of the obesity indices for predicting development of such risk factors and calculated optimal cutoffs for the obesity indices.Methods: The cohort comprised 10 038 representative residents of a small city and a rural county who were recruited in 2001-2002. Follow-up examinations were conducted every 2 years. Among the 3857 participants without metabolic syndrome at baseline, 1102 new cases occurred during the 6-year follow-up. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the obesity indices were plotted to compare the usefulness of the obesity indices.Results: The numbers of new cases of multiple metabolic risk factors among people in the highest quintiles of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-height ratio at the baseline examination were 2 to 3 times those in the lowest quintiles. The area under the ROC curve for WHR was significantly higher than that for BMI. The optimal BMI cutoff was 24 kg/m(2) in men and women, and the optimal WC cutoffs were 80 cm and 78 cm in men and women, respectively.Conclusions: Both overall obesity and central obesity predicted risk of developing multiple metabolic risk factors, and WHR appeared to be a better discriminator than BMI. To prevent development of metabolic diseases among Koreans, it might be useful to lower the cutoff for abdominal obesity, as defined by WC.     

Race-ethnicity-specific waist circumference cutoffs for identifying cardiovascular disease risk factors

BACKGROUND: Waist circumferences (WCs) in white men and women that represent a risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) equivalent to that of body mass indexes (BMIs; in kg/m2) of 25 and 30 have been identified. However, WC cutoffs for other race-ethnicity groups remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine WC cutoffs for CVD risk in non-Hispanic blacks (blacks), Mexican Americans (MA), and non-Hispanic whites (whites). DESIGN: Data from 10,969 participants in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994) were analyzed. The presence of CVD risk factors was the main outcome. Sex- and race-ethnicity-specific WC cutoffs were determined with logistic regression models by linking WC cutoffs with equivalent CVD risk based on BMI cutoffs for overweight and obesity. WC cutoffs for metabolic syndrome risk factors were similarly calculated. RESULTS: Correlations between WC and lipid profiles, blood pressure, and glucose were significantly higher than those between BMI and these same variables in all groups. The WC cutoffs were approximately 5-6 cm greater for white than for black men at BMIs between 25 and 40, and those for MA were intermediate. In women, few differences in WC cutoffs were observed between the groups. Simplified WC cutoffs corresponding to BMIs of 25 and 30, largely independent of age, for the 3 race-ethnicity groups were 89 and 101 cm for men and 83 and 94 cm for women. Minimal distances in receiver operating characteristic curves tended to be shorter when WC cutoffs rather than BMI cutoffs were used. CONCLUSIONS: WC is a better indicator of CVD risk than is BMI in the 3 race-ethnicity groups studied. The proposed WC cutoffs are more sensitive than are BMI cutoffs in predicting CVD risk.     

Measures of adiposity in the identification of metabolic abnormalities in elderly men

BACKGROUND: Body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)) is considered a poor indicator of overall and abdominal obesity in the elderly. OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to determine which simple anthropometric measurements [BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist circumference (WC), percentage body fat (%BF), or fat mass (FM)] are most closely associated with metabolic risk factors and insulin resistance in elderly men. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study of 2924 men aged 60-79 y with no history of coronary heart disease, stroke, or diabetes who were drawn from general practices in 24 British towns. RESULTS: BMI and WC were the measures most strongly associated with the metabolic syndrome (>/=3 of the following: hypertension, low HDL cholesterol, high triacylglycerols, or high blood glucose) and insulin resistance. For a 1-SD increase in BMI, WC, WHR, %BF, and FM, the odds ratios (95% CIs) of having the metabolic syndrome after adjustment for age, socioeconomic status, smoking status, and physical activity were as follows: BMI, 1.61 (1.44, 1.79); WC, 1.65 (1.48, 1.81); WHR, 1.49 (1.34, 1.66); %BF, 1.41 (1.25, 1.59); and FM, 1.53 (1.38, 1.70). For insulin resistance, the odds ratios (95% CIs) were as follows: 2.48 (2.22, 2.77), 2.46 (2.19, 2.65), 1.75 (1.59, 1.93), 1.79 (1.60, 2.00), and 2.10 (1.88, 2.34), respectively. In normal-weight (BMI < 25) and overweight (BMI 25-29.9) men, the presence of the metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance increased with increasing WC; this did not occur in obese men. CONCLUSIONS: BMI and WC are the simple measures of adiposity most strongly associated with metabolic abnormalities in elderly men. Our findings suggest that WC can be used as a complementary measurement to identify health risks in normal-weight and overweight elderly persons.     

Obesity and cardiovascular disease risk among Africans residing in Europe and Africa: the RODAM study

BackgroundThe association between anthropometric variables and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among Africans is unclear. We examined the discriminative ability of anthropometric variables and estimate cutoffs for predicting CVD risk among Africans.MethodsThe Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study was a multisite cross-sectional study of Africans in Ghana and Europe. We calculated AHA/ACC Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE) scores for 3661 participants to ascertain CVD risk, and compared a body shape index (ABSI), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), Relative Fat Mass (RFM), and Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR). Logistic regression and receiver operating curve analyses were performed to derive cutoffs for identifying high predicted CVD risk (PCE score ≥7.5%).ResultsAmong men, WC (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 2.25, 95% CI; 1:50–3:37) was strongly associated with CVD risk. Among women, WC (aOR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1:33–2:14) also displayed the strongest association with CVD risk in the BMI-adjusted model but WHR displayed the strongest fit. All variables were superior discriminators of high CVD risk in men (c-statistic range: 0.887–0.891) than women (c-statistic range: 0.677–0.707). The optimal WC cutoff for identifying participants at high CVD risk was 89 cm among men and identified the most cases (64%). Among women, the recommended WC cutoff of 94 cm or WHR cutoff of 0.90 identified the most cases (92%).ConclusionsAnthropometric variables were stronger discriminators of high CVD risk in African men than women. Greater WC was associated with high CVD risk in men while WHR and WC were associated with high CVD risk in women.     

Anthropometric measures and risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: An 18 years follow-up

BackgroundThe contribution of anthropometric measures to predict mortality in normal-weight subjects is unclear. We aimed to study the association of central obesity measures, e.g., waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), with the risk of all-cause and CVD mortality.MethodsIn a prospective population-based Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, 8287 participants aged ≥30 y, followed for a median of 18 years. The association of WC, WHR and WHtR with the risk for mortality was estimated using multivariate Cox proportional hazard models in different BMI groups.ResultsWe documented 821 deaths, of which 251 were related to CVD mortality. Normal weight individuals with central obesity were significantly at increased risk of all-cause (HR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.1) and CVD mortality (HR: 1.6; 95% CI: 0.92, 2.9) compared with normal-weight individuals without central obesity; the risk remained significant only in women. Also, normal-weight women (not men) with high WHR were at increased risk of all-cause (HR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.0, 2.8) and CVD mortality (HR: 5.9; 95% CI: 1.5, 23.2). High WHtR increased the risk of all-cause (HR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2, 1.8) and CVD mortality (HR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.2, 2.7) which remained significant in normal-weight men and women. All central obesity indicators were significantly associated with all-cause and CVD mortality in subjects aged under 65.ConclusionEven in normal-weight individuals, WC and WHR in women and WHtR in both sexes are predictors of all-cause and CVD mortality. WHtR shows a stronger association, especially in the population aged under 65.     

Application of obesity treatment algorithms to Canadian adults

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to apply obesity treatment algorithms to a representative sample of Canadians to determine their potential impact on the population. DESIGN: The Canadian Heart Health Surveys (1986-1992) were used to describe the prevalence of adults (18-64 y) that would be eligible for weight loss treatment according to the US NIH algorithm, which uses body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and the presence of two or more cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Similar algorithms based on CVD risk factors and a single measure of either BMI or WC alone were also evaluated. RESULTS: Using the NIH algorithm, 24% of Canadians (28% men, 19% women) would be identified for weight loss treatment. Virtually, all subjects received the same treatment recommendations when using BMI and CVD risk factors only, while 22% (23% men, 21% women) would meet the criteria for treatment using WC and CVD risk factors only. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one in four Canadians would be eligible for weight loss treatment using the NIH obesity treatment algorithm. However, the algorithm may be improved through the incorporation of more sensitive WC thresholds.     

Comorbidity of overweight and obesity in a nationally representative sample of German adults aged 18-79 years

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Overweight has increased in many countries over the past 20 years and excessive body weight is an established risk factor for adverse health outcomes and chronic diseases. This study aimed to determine comorbidity associated with overweight and obesity in a nationally representative sample of German adults. METHODS: In the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey 1998 standardized measures of body weight, height and waist circumference (WC) were obtained for 7,124 men and women 18 to 79 years of age. Information on pre-existing health conditions, health-related behaviors, and sociodemographic characteristics was collected using physician-administered computer-assisted interviews and self-administered questionnaires. World Health Organization (WHO) cut-off criteria were applied to define overweight (BMI: 25.0-29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI [GREATER-THAN OR EQUAL TO]30.0 kg/m2) and abdominal obesity (men: WC [GREATER-THAN OR EQUAL TO]102 cm; women: WC [GREATER-THAN OR EQUAL TO]88 cm). RESULTS: The crude prevalence of persons with cardio metabolic risk factors, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease (CVD), gall bladder disease, and osteoarthritis showed a significant stepwise increase from the lowest to the highest BMI category in both sexes. In multiple logistic regression models adjusting for age, social status, and smoking, significant associations with overweight and obesity persisted for cardio metabolic risk factors and osteoarthritis. For example, obese persons had a three- to fourfold higher chance of having any cardio metabolic risk factor compared to normal weight persons (odds ratio (OR) = 4.07, 95% CI: 3.16-5.25 for men; OR = 3.40 (2.60-4.46) for women). Only in women, overweight and obesity as well as abdominal obesity, independent of BMI category, were significantly and consistently associated with diabetes (overweight: OR = 1.85 (1.03-3.30); obesity: OR = 2.94 (1.63-5.31); abdominal obesity: OR = 1.44 (1.08-1.92) and gall bladder disease (overweight: OR = 1.65 (1.22-2.25); obesity: OR = 3.06 (2.26-4.14); abdominal obesity: OR = 1.73 (1.25-2.39)). CONCLUSION: Current estimates of disease burden underline the public health importance and clinical relevance related to overweight and obesity and needs to take into account comorbidity aspects.     

Body fat distribution and risk of type 2 diabetes in the general population: are there differences between men and women? The MONICA/KORA Augsburg cohort study

BACKGROUND: It remains controversial whether body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), or waist-hip ratio (WHR) is a better risk predictor of type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to examine the sex-specific relevance of WC, WHR, and BMI to the development of type 2 diabetes. DESIGN: The prospective population-based cohort study was based on 3055 men and 2957 women aged 35-74 y who participated in the second (1989-1990) or third (1994-1995) MONICA (Monitoring Trends and Determinants on Cardiovascular Diseases) Augsburg survey. The subjects were free of diabetes at baseline. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated from Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 9.2 y, 243 cases of incident type 2 diabetes occurred in men and 158 occurred in women. Multivariable-adjusted HRs across quartiles of BMI were 1.0, 1.37, 2.08, and 4.15 in men and 1.0, 3.77, 4.95, and 10.58 in women; those of WC were 1.0, 1.15, 1.57, and 3.40 in men and 1.0, 3.21, 3.98, and 10.70 in women; those of WHR were 1.0, 1.14, 1.80, and 2.84 in men and 1.0, 0.82, 2.06, and 3.51 in women. In joint analyses, the highest risk was observed in men and women with a high BMI in combination with a high WC and a high WHR. CONCLUSIONS: Both overall and abdominal adiposity were strongly related to the development of type 2 diabetes. Because there was an additive effect of overall and abdominal obesity on risk prediction, WC should be measured in addition to BMI to assess the risk of type 2 diabetes in both sexes.     

General obesity and central adiposity in a representative sample of Tehranian adults: prevalence and determinants

AIMS: To determine the prevalence and associations of general and central obesity in adults residing in district 13 of Tehran and to examine the associations of obesity with certain factors. DESIGN: Population-based cross sectional study. SETTING: Tehran, the capital of Iran. SUBJECTS: A total of 9984 subjects (4164 men and 5820 women) aged 20-70 years. METHODS: Demographic data were collected and anthropometric indices including weight, height, and waist and hip circumference were measured, according to standard protocols. Dietary intake was assessed by means of two 24-hour dietary recall forms. To determine the prevalence and association of general and central obesity, the suggested cut-off for Tehranian people, adjusted for their age group, was used. A body mass index (BMI) of > or =24 for men and > or =25 for women was used to determine the characteristic of obesity. Central obesity was determined as a waist-hip ratio (WHR) of > 0.86 for men and WHR > or = 0.78 for women. To determine the associations between general and central obesity and other factors, logistic regression was used. RESULTS: The means of BMI, waist circumference (WC), and WHR were 25.8 +/- 4.1 kg/m2, 88.3 +/- 11.4 cm, and 0.91 +/- 0.07 in men and 27.3 +/- 5.4 kg/m2, 87.5 +/- 12.9 cm, and 0.83 +/- 0.08 in women, respectively. Obesity and central obesity were higher in women than in men; 67% vs. 29% for obesity and 93% vs. 74.1% for central obesity, respectively. Illiteracy (OR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.13-2.41 in men; OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.59-2.21 in women), marriage (OR = 3.84, 95% CI = 3.63-4.29 in men; OR = 3.20, 95% CI = 3.63-4.19 in women), and very low physical activity (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.09-1.53 in men; OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.10-1.76 in women) were factors associated with obesity. The risk of being centrally obese for men in the fourth quartile of legumes intake was lower than men in other quartiles (p < 0.05). Women in the first quartile of dairy consumption had the highest risk of being generally and centrally obese (OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.72-2.48 for general obesity and OR = 3.01, 95% CI = 2.36-3.67 for central obesity). The risk of obesity for women in the fourth quartile of energy and saturated fatty acid consumption was higher than for those in the first quartile (OR = 2.69, 95% CI = 2.39-3.11 for energy and OR = 1.36, 95% CI= 1.10-1.64 for saturated fatty acids). The risk of being centrally obese was higher for women in the first quartile of protein intake compared with women in the fourth quartile (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.02-2.32). CONCLUSIONS: The results from this national population-based study in Iran show high prevalence of obesity in Tehranian adults. The strong associations between obesity and certain life style factors confirm the necessity of multifactorial intervention.     

Prevalence of uncomplicated obesity in an Italian obese population

OBJECTIVE: The existence of healthy obese subjects has been suggested but not clearly reported. We sought to address the prevalence of uncomplicated obesity and adverse risk factors in a large Italian obese population. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: This was a cross-sectional study of a population of consecutive Italian obese subjects. We studied 681 obese subjects (514 women and 167 men), with a mean age of 41.1+/-13.9 years (range, 16 to 77 years), mean BMI of 40.2+/-7.6 kg/m2 (range, 30 to 89.8 kg/m2), and a history of obesity for 20.5+/-7 years (range, 10.5 to 30 years). Anthropometric, metabolic, cardiac, and obesity-related risk factors were evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of uncomplicated subjects was 27.5%, independent of BMI and duration of obesity. The youngest group of obese subjects showed a higher, but not statistically significantly higher, prevalence of uncomplicated obesity. No statistical difference for the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose, glucose intolerance, high triglycerides, high total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol among BMI categories (from mild to extremely severe obesity degree) was found. Obese subjects with BMI>50 kg/m2 showed a higher prevalence of high blood pressure only when they were compared with the group with a BMI of 30 to 35 kg/m2 (p<0.01). Obese subjects with BMI>40 kg/m2 showed a higher prevalence of hyperinsulinemia than subjects with BMI 30 to 35 kg/m2 (p<0.01). DISCUSSION: This study shows that a substantial part of an Italian obese population has uncomplicated obesity, and the prevalence of adverse risk factors in this sample is unexpectedly low and partially independent of obesity degree. Uncomplicated obesity could represent a well-defined clinical entity.     

Combination of BMI and Waist Circumference for Identifying Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Whites

OBJECTIVE: BMI (kilograms per meters squared) and waist circumference (WC) (measured in centimeters) are each associated with the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, a combination of the two may be more effective in identifying subjects at risk than either alone. The present study sought to identify the combination of BMI and WC that has the strongest association with CVD risk factors in whites. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Subjects were 8712 white men and women from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The optimal combination of BMI and WC was developed using logistic regression models with BMI and WC as predictors and CVD risk factors as outcomes. The combined measure of BMI and WC using current cut-off points was also examined. Sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristics curves were compared between the combined measures and BMI alone. RESULTS: For white men, the optimal combination of BMI and WC for identifying CVD risk factors was 0.68 x BMI + 0.32 x WC. This combination generated a score that better estimated the odds of having CVD risk factors than either alone. For white women, WC alone largely determined the likelihood of having CVD risks. The combination of BMI and WC using current cut-off points may provide an improved measure of CVD risk. Combined measures showed a higher sensitivity or a shorter distance in receiver operating characteristic curves in the identification of CVD risk factors. DISCUSSION: Combined measures of BMI and WC may provide a higher overall test performance for CVD risk factors and may be useful in some ethnic groups as an improved means of screening subjects for further evaluation in the clinical setting.     

Obesity and risk of colorectal adenomatous polyps: a case-control study in hospital kuala lumpur

Colorectal adenomas are precursor lesions of colorectal cancer. Several studies have proposed that obesity is a risk factor for colorectal adenoma. This case-control study examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waistto-hip ratio (WHR), body fat percentage and colorectal adenomatous polyps (CRA) in patients who have had a colonoscopy at the Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL). Fifty-nine patients (42 males and 17 females) positively identified as having CRA and 59 polypfree subjects were recruited as controls (33 males and 26 females). A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect socio-economic information, while anthropometric measurements were determined directly by established methods. The mean BMI of female case subjects was significantly higher than control females (25.63 + 4.87 kg/m2 vs. 23.86 + 3.70 kg/m2, p<0.05) but the difference in BMI was not significant in men. The mean WHR of male subjects was significantly higher in the case group (0.92 + 0.07 vs. 0.90 + 0.06, p<0.05). After adjusting for confounders, waist circumference was the only indicator that was found to significantly increase the risk for CRA in women (OR = 6.349, 95% CI = 1.063 - 37.919). Higher BMI, WHR and body fat percentage showed a non-significant risk in female subjects. In men, none of the obesity indicators were found to be significant risk factors for CRA. These findings suggest that abdominal obesity may be a contributing factor to CRA risk particularly in women. A prospective study is needed to confirm the role of obesity in the development of CRA in Malaysians.     

Anthropometric indices as screening tools for cardiovascular risk factors in Singaporean women

Previous studies have suggested the need to revise the World Health Organization (WHO) cut-off values for the various indices of obesity and fat distribution in Singapore. The purpose of this study was to delineate cut-off points of body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist circumference (WC), and waist-stature ratio (WSR) as screening tools for cardiovascular risk factors in Singaporean women. Anthropometric indices were measured in a cross sectional survey of 566 subjects (60% Chinese individuals, 28% Malay individuals and 12% Indian individuals). Cardiovascular risk factors were determined by measuring blood pressure, serum lipids, and fasting blood glucose levels. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to determine cut-off points. Forward logistic regression and area under curves (AUC) were used to determine the best anthropometric index. For at least one cardiovascular risk factor (hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes mellitus), the cut-off points for BMI, WHR, WC and WSR were around 23.6 kg/m(2), 0.80, 77.8 cm and 0.48 for Singaporean females. The AUC of WSR was the highest for all three risk factors in females (0.79 for hypertension, 0.70 for dyslipidaemia, 0.88 for diabetes mellitus). Regression analyses revealed that WSR was independently associated with all risk factors. For Singaporean female adults, the cut-off points were lower than the criteria suggested by the WHO, but were in agreement with those reported for Asians. BMI, WHR, WC and WSR may be used as screening tools for cardiovascular risk factors, of which WSR may be the best anthropometric index.     

1661名农村中老年人健康状况调查的分析

目的调查了解农村中老年人的健康状况并对相关测量指标的应用进行分析。方法随机抽取青岛市某农村1661名中老年人（男612人,女1049人）进行体格检查,包括身高、体重、腰围、臀围、血压、血糖、血红蛋白等指标。结果 1661名农村中老年人高血压患病率为63.4%,高血糖检出率为23.8%,贫血患病率为35.3%。中老年女性体质指数（BMI）、腰围（WC）、腰围/身高比值（WHtR）均高于男性（P〈0.05）,男性腰围/臀围比（WHR）高于女性（P〈0.05）。65岁之前BMI、WC均较高（BMI〉25kg/m^2,WC〉85cm）,65岁以后随年龄升高BMI、WC有逐渐降低的趋势（P〈0.05）。BMI、WC、WHR、WHtR4者与收缩压、舒张压、血糖的正相关系数均为WHtR最大（P〈0.01）。结论农村中老年人高血压、高血糖、贫血患病率均较高,中老年女性超重和肥胖率高于男性,比男性更易发生高血糖,同时45～65岁中老年人超重和肥胖的发生率也较高;WHtR与BMI、WC、WHR、收缩压、舒张压和血糖的相关性均较强,可以作为有效的腹型肥胖指标和预测高血糖与高血压的有效指标。     

不同肥胖测量指标对北京市社区人群动脉僵硬度的评价

目的 探讨社区人群肥胖及其不同测量指标与动脉僵硬度的相关性.方法 北京市4个社区参加体检的2664名经知情同意的研究对象(男性1379名,女性1285名),平均年龄(53.19±15.73)岁,测量身高、体重、腰围(WC)、臀围,并计算其体重指数(BMI)、腰围臀围比(WHR),应用自动PWV分析仪测定颈-股动脉脉搏波传导速度(cfPWV),分析不同肥胖指标(BMI、WC、WHR)与cfPWV的关系.结果 2664名受试者中,BMI(r=0.0829,P＜0.01)、WC(r=0.2659,P＜0.01)、WHR(r=0.2749,P＜0.01)与cfPWV均呈正相关.单因素分析结果显示:将研究对象分为A组(cfPWV≤12 m/s)、B组(cfPWN＞12 m/s),与A组相比,B组的WC、WHR高于A组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).BMI在A组与B组之间差异无统计学意义(P≥0.05).逐步回归分析显示:WC是cfPWV的危险因素,独立于性别、年龄、收缩压、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇、餐后2h血糖因素存在.结论 该社区人群中肥胖是动脉僵硬度的独立危险因素,其中不同的肥胖测量指标与动脉僵硬度的相关性不同.

Abstract：

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between obesity [measured by body mass index(BMI), waist circumference(WC), waist-to-hip ratio(WHR)]and arterial stiffness on community populations in Beijing area. Methods In a cross-sectional study of 2664 subjects(1379 men and 1285 women)aged(53.19 ± 15.73 years, mean±standard deviation), BMI, WC, WHR and other cardiovascular risk factors, were measured and carotidfemoral pulse wave velocity(cfPWV)was measured to assess the arterial stiffness. All the data were analyzed with linear correlation analysis, univariate analysis and stepwise regression method to explore the relationship between obese indexes and arterial stiffness. Results We noticed that a showed the existence of positive correlations between BMI(r=0.0829,P＜0.01)and cfPWV, WC(r=0.2659, P＜0.01)and cfPWV, WHR(r=0.2749, P＜0.01)and cfPWV, in univariate analysis,cfPWV was associated with WC≥85 cm(male)or ≥80 cm(famale)(P＜0.01), WHR≥0.90(male)or≥ 0.85(famale)(P＜ 0.01). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that WC was an independent risk factor of cfPWV, other than age, gender, systolic blood pressure, HDL-C, OGTT2h etc. Conclusion Our findings indicated that obesity was an independent risk factor of cfPWV, which was an early marker of cardiovascular and renal diseases, among community population in Beijing area. There were different relationships between obesity measurement parameters(BMI, WC, WHR)and cfPWV.     

Waist circumference, body mass index and health risk factors among middle aged Thais

Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are important contributors to major causes of health risk factors such as high blood cholesterol, high fasting blood sugar and high blood pressure. This analysis was designed to assess the associations between WC, BMI and each health risk factor in suitable cut-off points for WC and BMI among middle aged men and women of Thai population. Cross sectional data from the Second National Health Survey in Thailand was analysed. This set of data collected by the Ministry of Public Health from 1996 to 1997 was obtained from a total of 998 subjects (comprising 396 men and 602 women) aged 45-50. Results from the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC curve) identified those with health risk factors demonstrating cut-off points for WC between 81.5-84 centimeters for men and 76-80.5 centimeters for women and BMI between 23.3-23.9 kg/m2 for both genders, respectively. Results from the Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated lower risks of having high blood cholesterol, high fasting blood sugar and high blood pressure with cutoff points 84 cm for men, 80 cm for women and BMI 23 kg/m2 for both genders compared to cut-off points 102 cm for men, 88 cm for women and BMI 25 kg/m2 for both genders as specified for the population in Western countries. This study has proposed a waist circumference of 84 cm (33.6 inches) for middle aged Thai men and 80 cm (32 inches) for middle aged Thai women and BMI of 23 kg/m2 for both genders. Monitoring changes in the waist circumference over time along with BMI may be convenient and useful for middle aged Thais to prevent health risk conditions, even in the absence of a change in BMI.