Underweight and Normal Weight Central Obesity Among Filipinos and its Association with Cardiovascular Risks and Diseases

Abstract

In most epidemiological studies underweight and normal weight central obesity groups are either underrepresented, excluded, or merged to the normal weight category. This study aims to compare underweight and normal weight central obesity groups and possible age and gender differences in association with cardiovascular risk and diseases using a previous local study. Methods: Participants were Filipinos aged 20 years or older who had participated in and completed the desired data in the National Nutrition and Health Survey 2008. Participants were categorised into two groups: underweight and normal weight central obesity. The profiles of the groups were compared and their association with cardiovascular risks and diseases determined, using adjustment models for age and sex. Results: A total of 3,009 participants were included in this study: 684 (22.7%) underweight and 2,325 (77.3%) normal weight central obesity. The mean age for underweight participants was 47.8 years versus 43.2 years for normal weight central obesity; 56.6% of the participants were female and 43.4% were male. In comparison to normal weight central obesity using adjustment models for age and sex, ORs were as follows: hypertension OR 1.49, diabetes OR 1.71, and dyslipidaemia OR 1.8. Using a sex stratified model there were significant differences in diastolic blood pressure (mean, male 78 versus female 75), triglycerides (mean, male 117 versus female 106), HDL level (mean, male 40.3 versus female 41.6) and LDL level (mean, male 99 versus female 115). Using an age stratified model, coronary artery disease ORs were 25th percentile (OR 2), 50th percentile (OR 2.4) and 75th percentile (OR 1.9); cerebrovascular accident 75th percentile (OR 2.5) and peripheral artery disease 50th percentile (OR 3.4). Hypertension 25th percentile (OR 2.0), 50th percentile (OR 2.4) and 75th percentile (OR 1.9); diabetes 25th percentile (OR 6.7), 75th percentile (OR 1.7) and dyslipidaemia 25th percentile (OR 1.2) were significantly higher in the underweight group. Conclusion: Greater association in hypertension and coronary artery disease in all age groups, stroke among the older age group, and diabetes among the younger and older age groups were seen among underweight participants compared to normal weight central obesity among Filipinos.