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.     

Detection of cardiovascular risk factors by anthropometric measures in Tehranian adults: receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis

OBJECTIVE: To determine optimal cutoff points of anthropometric measures as cardiovascular indicators in an Iranian adult population. DESIGN:: Population-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: Tehran, the capital of Iran. SUBJECTS: A total of 10 522 subjects (4449 men and 6073 women) aged 18-74 y. METHODS: Demographic data were collected and anthropometric indices were measured. Blood pressure was evaluated and hypertension was defined based on JNC VI. Biochemical measurements were done. Diabetes was considered as FBS> or =126 mg/dl (> or =7.0 mmol/l) and dyslipidemia was defined according to ATP II. Risk factors were considered as: hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, 'hypertension or diabetes', 'hypertension and diabetes', 'hypertension or dyslipidemia', 'hypertension and dyslipidemia', ' diabetes or dyslipidemia', 'diabetes and dyslipidemia', 'at least one risk factor' and 'at least two risk factors'. ROC curve analysis was performed to determine optimal cutoff values-where the sensitivity approximates specificity. RESULTS: Younger men (the age category of 18-34 y) had higher WC than women. Men had higher waist-to-hip ratio (WHpR) and lower waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) than women in all age categories. Dyslipidemia, 'hypertension or dyslipidemia', 'diabetes or dyslipidemia' and 'at least one risk factor' were more prevalent risk categories in both genders. Range of areas under ROC curves for BMI and WC was 0.55-0.94 and 0.56-0.93 for men and 0.41-0.94 and 0.53-0.92 for women in various age groups, respectively. Range of areas for WHpR and WHtR in men was between 0.58-0.87 and 0.56-0.94, respectively, and for women varied between 0.53-0.91 and 0.53-0.90 in various age groups, respectively. Cutoff points of BMI for various risk factors were between 24 and 29 kg/m(2) in men and 25-31 kg/m(2) in women. Range of WHpR was between 0.86 and 0.97 in men and between 0.78 and 0.92 in women. Cutoff points for WC and WHtR were between 80 and 93 cm and 0.47 and 0.56 for men and between 79 and 96 cm and 0.50 and 0.63 for women in different age groups to detect various risk factors, respectively. In general, values were lowest for the most prevalent risk factors and highest for less prevalent conditions. CONCLUSION: The results suggested cutoff points of anthropometric measures as indicators of cardiovascular risk factors. It seems that these cut-points are higher for Iranians than for other Asian populations. SPONSORSHIP: Endocrine Research Center, Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences.     

Predictive values of waist circumference for dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes and hypertension in overweight White, Black, and Hispanic American adults

Waist circumferences (WC) >/=102 cm for men and >/=88 cm for women have been proposed by an expert panel as cut-points for identifying increased risk for the development of obesity comorbidities for most adults. The aim of this investigation was to examine the predictive values of these WC cut-points for hypercholesterolemia, low concentration of high (HDL-C), and high concentration of low (LDL-C) density lipoprotein cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension in overweight American adults. Data from NHANES III were utilized for the analysis. Predictive abilities were determined by calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive (PV+) and negative (PV-) predictive values in overweight subjects with BMI 25-29.9 kg/m(2). Sensitivity of WC cut-point was stronger for high LDL-C compared to other risk factors with the highest values recorded in the 40-59 and 60-69 year age groups in men and women, respectively. PV+ of WC cut-points for dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension were low in men compared to women. PV+ tended to increase with age, from 19-39, 40-59 to 60-90 year age groups in Whites, Blacks, and Hispanic men. In men, the highest PV+ were recorded for hypertriglyceridemia in the 60-90 years old groups, with values of 71.6%, 52.5%, and 43.3% in Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics, respectively. The CVD risk factor associated with the highest PV+ in women was diabetes with values of 97.2% in Whites and 88.9% in Blacks, and hypertriglyceridemia with a value of 93.8% in the 17-39 year age group in Hispanics. Among Black men 40-59 years of age, only 32% of a population of overweight hypertensives were detected by the WC cut-points, and among Black women, 40-59 years of age, only 54% were detected. Given the low sensitivity of these cut-points for detecting hypertension, one of the major co-morbidities of obesity, these cut-points failed to provide adequate evidence for the use of WC in determining or evaluating patients as to co-morbid states. We recommend further studies to determine a set of specific cut-points associated with increased risk of CVD in different population groups.     

海口市7~14岁儿童腰围界值点及其肥胖相关性分析

目的分析海口市7~14岁儿童在超重和肥胖层面的腰围界值点,为儿童超重和肥胖防治策略制定提供科学依据。方法利用2016—2019年“海南省学生健康档案管理系统”,采用PPS抽样方法抽取海口220所中小学校,对学校整群抽样7~14岁儿童调取身高、体重和腰围数据进行整理分析。结果共计分析283054名7~14岁儿童,各年龄组儿童的平均腰围值和百分位点腰围值均低于全国平均腰围,腰围均随着年龄增长而持续增加。各年龄组儿童腰围男生均大于女生(P<0.0001),城市均高于农村(P<0.0001)。在超重层面,男童和女童界值点集中P 75~P 80(56.50~71.75 cm)、P 80~P 85(54.50~68.50 cm)。在肥胖层面,男童7~11岁和12~14岁的界值点分别是P 85(58.5~72.50 cm)、P 90(75.50~79.50 cm),女生7岁和8~14岁的界值点范围在分别是P 85(56.50 cm)和P 90(59.85~71.50 cm)。结论该地区在超重层面,男童和女童的界值点分别为56.50~71.75 cm和54.50~68.50 cm;肥胖层面,男童和女童的界值点分别是58.50~79.50 cm和56.50~71.50 cm。除了男生7岁和女生9岁超重界值点及女生青春期前8~10岁肥胖界值点外,其他各年龄组超重和肥胖界值点与全国的一致。     

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.     

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.     

Waist circumference as a measurement of obesity in the Netherlands Antilles; associations with hypertension and diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate waist circumference (WC) as a screening tool for obesity in a Caribbean population. To identify risk groups with a high prevalence of (central) obesity in a Caribbean population, and to evaluate associations between (central) obesity and self-reported hypertension and diabetes mellitus. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Population-based study. SUBJECTS: A random sample of adults (18 y or older) was selected from the Population Registries of three islands of the Netherlands Antilles. Response was over 80%. Complete data were available for 2025 subjects. INTERVENTION: A questionnaire and measurements of weight, height, waist and hip. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Central obesity indicator (WC > or =102 cm men, > or =88 cm women). RESULTS: WC was positively associated with age (65-74 y vs 18-24 y) in men (OR=7.7, 95% CI 3.4-17.4) and women (OR=6.4, 95% CI 3.2-12.7). Women with a low education had a higher prevalence of central obesity than women with a high education (OR=0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.7). However, men with a high income had a higher prevalence of a central obesity than men with a low income (OR=1.7, 95% CI=1.1-2.6). WC was the strongest independent obesity indicator associated with self-reported hypertension (OR=1.7, 95% CI 1.4-2.0) and diabetes mellitus (OR=1.6, 95% CI 1.3-1.9). CONCLUSIONS: The identified risk groups were women aged 55-74 y, women with a low educational level and men with a high income. WC appears to be the major obesity indicator associated with hypertension and diabetes mellitus. SPONSORSHIP: Island Governments of Saba, St Eustatius and Bonaire, the Federal Government of the Netherlands Antilles, Dutch Directorate for Kingdom relationships.     

Obesity in the elderly and its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors in Taiwan

OBJECTIVES: The obese elderly are at increased risk of mortality, morbidity, and functional disability. In this study, we examined the prevalence of obesity and relationship between various anthropometric indices (AI) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in the elderly. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A stratified multistage clustered sampling scheme was used in the Elderly Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan during 1999 to 2000. 2432 non-institutionalized subjects (age, 72.8+/-9.4 years; BMI, 23.6+/-6.4 kg/m2) were recruited. The receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to compare predictive validity of CVD risk factors among various AI, including BMI, waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity was 29.0% in men and 36.8% in women by obesity criteria for Asians (BMI>or=25 kg/m2) and 13.3% in men and 21.0% in women by the Taiwanese definition (BMI>or=27 kg/m2). Odds ratios of acquiring various CVD risk factors increased significantly with increment of WC, WHR, and BMI. The areas under the curve predicting metabolic syndrome were all <0.8. The cut-off values of WC corresponding to the highest sensitivity and the highest specificity in predicting various CVD risk factors were 86.2-88.0 cm in men and 82.0-84.0 cm in women, respectively. DISCUSSION: Obesity was prevalent in the Taiwanese elderly. WC was related to CVD risk factors to a greater extent than BMI and WHR. However, none of them alone was a good screening tool for CVD risk factors. Therefore, how to apply AI prudently to screen elderly for CVD risk factors needs further research.     

上海市35-74岁成人代谢综合征腰围切点的研究

［目的］ 探寻上海市35-74 岁人群中代谢综合征（metabolic syndrome,MS）相关肥胖程度的腰围切点。 ［方法］采用多阶段随机抽样方法,在上海市35~74 岁居民中进行横断面调查,共调查7 414 名个体。分析男性和女性不同腰围水平与MS 其他因素的关系,以获得检出2 个及以上危险因素敏感性和特异性均较好的腰围切点。 ［结果］ 随腰围增大,MS 危险因素聚集的比值比（OR）也随之升高,检出2 个及以上MS 危险因素的特异度和阳性预测值逐渐增高,而敏感度和阴性预测值逐渐下降。当男性腰围≥ 85 cm、女性腰围≥ 80 cm,检出2 个及以上MS 危险因素的敏感度为68.33%（男性）、70.17%（女性）,特异度为58.48%（男性）、58.36%（女性）,受试者工作特征曲线（ROC）距离最短,分别为男性0.522 1、女性0.512 2。 ［结论］ 当男性腰围≥ 85 cm、女性腰围≥ 80 cm时,能较好反映MS 危险因素的聚集,为本研究人群代谢综合征肥胖的腰围切点。     

不同体重指数和腰围人群的血压均值及高血压患病率调查

目的：探讨体重指数(BMI和腰围(WC)对人群血压水平和高血压患病率的影响。方法：对1992—1994年和1998年在中国不同地区男女性中年人群中进行的两次心血管病危险因素调查资科合并共35 003人，比较不同BMI和WC分组的平均血压水平及其高血压患病率。结果：随着BMI和／或WC的增加，人群血压水平、高血压患病率呈明显的上升趋势，在多数BMI组中，男女性WC与血压均值和高血压患病车间存在明显的线性相关关系(线性趋势检验P＜0．05)，同样在不同的WC组中，BMI均与血压均值和高血压患病车间存在明显的线性相关关系。男女性按不同BMI及WC标准分组的年龄调整高血压患病率分别为16．5％、14．1％(BMI＜24kg／m^2，男／女：WC＜85／80cm)，29．8％、20．6％(BMI＜24kg／m^2，男／女：WC≥85／80cm)，29．6％、24．7％(BMI：24．0—27．9kg／m^2，男／女：WC＜85／80cm)，39．2％、30．3％(BMI：24．0—27．9kg／m^2，男／女：WC≥85／80cm)，57．5％、43．3％(BMI≥28kg／m^2，男／女：WC≥85／80cm)。结论：BMI和WC均与人群血压有相互独立的关联，保持BMI和WC均在正常范围是预防高血压的有效措施。     

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   

Abdominal adiposity and clustering of multiple metabolic syndrome in White, Black and Hispanic americans

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of abdominal adiposity assessed by waist circumference (WC) with clustering of multiple metabolic syndromes (MMS) in White, Black and Hispanic Americans. MMS was defined as the occurrence of two or more of either hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia or hyperinsulinemia. METHODS: The number of MMS and fasting insulin (a surrogate measure of MMS) were each used as dependent variables in gender-specific multiple linear regression models, adjusting for age, smoking and alcohol intake. The contribution of WC to interethnic differences in clustering of MMS and fasting insulin concentration was assessed in gender-specific linear regression models. The risk of MMS due to large waist was estimated by comparing odds ratio for men with WC >/= 102 cm with those with WC < 102, and women with WC >/= 88 cm with women with WC < 88 cm in the logistic regression model adjusting for age, smoking and alcohol intake. RESULTS: WC was positively and independently associated with clustering of MMS and increased fasting insulin concentration adjusting for age, smoking and alcohol intake in the three ethnic groups (p < 0.01). Black ethnicity was associated with clustering of MMS and fasting insulin concentration (p < 0.01). Hispanic ethnicity was also associated with clustering of MMS in men and associated with fasting insulin concentration in both men and women (p < 0.01). In both men and women, the risk of MMS clustering was strongly associated with increased WC in all ethnic groups independent of BMI. CONCLUSION: WC appears to be a marker for multiple metabolic syndromes in these ethnic groups. The results of this investigation lend support to the view that waist measurement should be considered as a clinical variable for assessing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.     

Clothing size as an indicator of adiposity, ischaemic heart disease and cardiovascular risks

OBJECTIVE: To relate subjects' clothing sizes to waist circumference, body mass index (BMI) and to the risks of ischaemic heart disease, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and to derive cut-off levels of clothing size that correspond to increased health risks. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. Setting Glasgow Royal Infirmary. PARTICIPANTS: A stratified subsample of 201 men and 161 women aged 27-67 years from the Glasgow monitoring coronary (MONICA) risk factor survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measured waist, weight and height, blood pressure and history of ischaemic heart disease (angina, myocardial infarction or angioplasty), hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and medications. RESULTS: There were 15.5% of men and 11.2% of women with ischaemic heart disease, 14.9% of men and 12.4% of women with hypertension, and 4.5% of men and 3.1% of women with diabetes mellitus. Age and smoking adjusted prevalences of these cardiovascular risks, as well as increased adiposity (waist circumference > or =102 cm in men, > or =88 cm in women or BMI > or = 30 kg m(-2)) rose with increasing clothing size. Clothing size correlated (P < 0.001) linearly with indices of adiposity. Clothing sizes which correspond to waist circumference action level 1 (94 cm in men, 80 cm in women) and action level 2 (102 cm in men, 88 cm in women) or to standardized BMI cut-offs (25 and 30 kg m(-2)) were estimated. Height has minimal influences on clothing size. Compared with men with trouser waist below 36 inches or women with UK dress size below 16, the age and smoking adjusted odds ratios for the risk of having at least one of the major health problems (ischaemic heart disease, hypertension or diabetes mellitus) were 3.9 (95% CI: 1.8-8.3) in men and 7.0 (95% CI: 2.5-19.4) in women who had trouser size > or =38 inches or UK dress size > or =18, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that men and women with large clothing size are at increased risk of ischaemic heart disease, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Men's trouser size equal or larger than 38 in the UK and USA or 97 in Europe and women's dress size equal or larger than 18 in the UK or 16 in the USA or 48 in Europe could be used to promote self-awareness of increased health risks by the general public.     

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.     

Does Abdominal Obesity Increase All-Cause,Cardiovascular Disease,and Cancer Mortality Risks in Older Adults? A 10-Year Follow-Up Analysis

There is insufficient evidence on the impact of abdominal obesity (AO) on mortality in older adults. Therefore, the objective to analyze the 10-year impact of AO, assessed using different diagnostic criteria, on all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality in older adults. In this prospective cohort study of older adults (≥60 years), sociodemographic, lifestyle, clinical history, laboratory test, and anthropometric data were analyzed. The considered were used for AO diagnostic: waist circumference (WC) of ≥88 cm for women and ≥102 cm for men; WC of ≥77.8 cm for women and ≥98.8 cm for men; and increased waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), being the highest tertile of distribution by sex. Multivariate Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses were performed. A total of 418 individuals, with an average age of 70.69 ± 7.13 years, participated in the study. In the analysis adjusted for sex and age, WHR was associated with a high risk of all-cause mortality (p = 0.044). Both cutoff points used for the WC were associated with an increased CVD mortality risk. None of the AO parameters were associated with cancer mortality. An increased WHR was associated to a higher all-cause mortality risk factor, while an increased WC was a risk factor for a higher CVD mortality in older adults.     

Non-fatal disease burden associated with excess body mass index and waist circumference in New Zealand adults

OBJECTIVE: To describe the relationship between two measures of body fat and selected non-fatal health conditions in the New Zealand adult population in 2003. METHOD: Data were obtained from the 2002/03 New Zealand Health Survey. A total of 10,026 adults aged 25 years and over were classified according to measured body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). BMI classes were 18.5-24.9, 25.0-29.9, 30.0-34.9, > or = 35.0 kg/m2. WC classes were < 94, 94-102, > 102 centimetres (cm) for males and < 80, 80-88, > 88 cm for females. Prevalence rate ratio estimates for selected self-reported health conditions were calculated for males and females separately, adjusting for age, ethnicity, deprivation and smoking using logistic regression. RESULTS: Increasing BMI or WC class was associated with increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, osteoarthritis, asthma and sleep disorders in both males and females. The association with depression was not statistically significant in either gender. Associations were strongest for diabetes and blood pressure, with adults in the highest BMI or WC class at least 3.5 times more likely to have diabetes and 2-3 times more likely to have high blood pressure compared with those in the lowest classes. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing body fatness, defined by either BMI or WC, was associated with increased prevalence of many important health conditions. If the obesity epidemic is not halted or reversed, the impact on both the New Zealand population and health system will be considerable.     

Decreased muscle mass and increased central adiposity are independently related to mortality in older men

BACKGROUND: Aging is associated with significant changes in body composition. Body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)) is not an accurate indicator of overweight and obesity in the elderly. OBJECTIVE: We examined the relation between other anthropometric indexes of body composition (both muscle mass and body fat) and all-cause mortality in men aged 60-79 y. DESIGN: The study was a prospective study of 4107 men aged 60-79 y with no diagnosis of heart failure and who were followed for a mean period of 6 y, during which time there were 713 deaths. RESULTS: Underweight men (BMI < 18.5) had exceptionally high mortality rates. After the exclusion of these men, increased adiposity [BMI, waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio] showed little relation with mortality after adjustment for lifestyle characteristics. Muscle mass [indicated by midarm muscle circumference (MAMC)] was significantly and inversely associated with mortality. After adjustment for MAMC, obesity markers, particularly high WC (>102 cm) and waist-to-hip ratio (top quartile), were associated with increased mortality. A composite measure of MAMC and WC most effectively predicted mortality. Men with low WC ( 102 cm and above-median muscle mass showed significantly increased mortality [age-adjusted relative risk: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.74), and this increased to 1.55 (95% CI: 1.01, 2.39) in those with WC > 102 and low MAMC. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the combined use of both WC and MAMC provides simple measures of body composition to assess mortality risk in older men.     

Intervention levels for abdominal obesity: prevalence and associated factors

During 1999 and 2000, a population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Pelotas, southern Brazil, to describe the population distribution of abdominal adiposity according to "action level points" and to identify risk factors. The study included a sample of 1,935 adults (20-69 years) residing in urban areas. Abdominal obesity was classified as action level I for waist circumference (WCLI) 80-88 cm in women and 94-102 cm in men; and as action level II (WCLII) for > 88 cm in women and > 102 cm in men. Abdominal obesity was present in 62% of women and 37% of men. Some 23% and 19% of men and women were classified as WCLI, respectively; 39% of women and 19% of men were classified as WCLII. After adjustment for confounding variables, age and being married or in a stable relationship were strongly associated with WCLII. Schooling was a risk factor in men only, and family income in women. In women, income was inversely associated with abdominal obesity. Use of a simple measurement such as waist circumference, which allows identification of levels of intervention, should be incorporated into health promotion measures, especially to help community health workers monitor the population needs.     

Circulating oxidized LDL is associated with increased waist circumference independent of body mass index in men and women

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with oxidative stress, and the oxidation of LDL is thought to play a crucial role in the generation of atherosclerotic lesions. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to describe the association of waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) with plasma circulating oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) and C-reactive protein (CRP). DESIGN: This cross-sectional study included data for circulating ox-LDL and CRP from a subpopulation of 586 men and women enrolled in a population-based survey conducted in 2000 in Girona, Spain. Multivariate analysis was performed to describe the independent association of WC and BMI with ox-LDL and CRP. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for lifestyle, educational level, and dietary confounders showed a direct association of WC (quartile distribution) and BMI categories with ox-LDL (P for linear trend = 0.002) and CRP (P for linear trend = 0.004). Subjects in the top quartile of WC and with a BMI > 29.9 were at high risk of elevated circulating concentrations of ox-LDL and CRP. Further adjustment for cardiovascular disease risk factors did not substantially modify these associations. The risk of high ox-LDL concentrations in overweight (BMI = 25.0-29.9) or obese (BMI > or = 30) subjects with a WC < 102 cm (men) or < 88 cm (women) was not significantly different from that in normal-weight subjects with these WCs. In contrast, overweight or obese subjects with higher WCs (WC > or = 102 cm for men and > or = 88 cm for women) were at significantly higher risk of increased ox-LDL. CONCLUSION: High WC was associated with high concentrations of ox-LDL independently of BMI in the study population.     

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.