Asian-specific Body Mass Index Research Articles

Abstract P361: Cardiovascular Health in South Asian American Adults in the MASALA Study: Updated Metrics Using the Life’s Essential 8 Definitions

Introduction: The AHA Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) score was recently updated to the Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) score which revised cardiovascular health (CVH) scoring, including accounting for Asian-specific body mass index, secondhand smoke exposure, and sleep. We evaluated CVH in South Asian American participants of the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study. Methods: At the MASALA baseline exam, median LE8 CVH score was calculated across levels of the LS7 score. Age- and sex-adjusted mean LE8 CVH score was compared by income, education, and country of birth using linear regression. Logistic regression evaluated the age- and sex-adjusted association of LE8 CVH with prevalent coronary artery calcium (CAC) score greater than 0. Sleep duration was not available, so the LE8 score was calculated with the 7 original CVH factors. Results: Among 1,093 South Asian American adults in the MASALA Study (48.5% female, mean age 56.7 [SD 9.4] years), mean LE8 CVH score was 68.7 (SD 11.6). The LE8 and LS7 CVH scores were significantly correlated (r=0.78, p<0.01). Median (interquartile range) LE8 score across levels of LS7 score is shown in the Figure. Mean adjusted LE8 score was significantly higher (p<0.01) among those with annual income ≥$75,000 vs. <$75,000 (70.0 [11.6] vs. 65.7 [10.9]) and those with more vs. less than college education (69.5 [11.3] vs. 67.7 [11.8]). Mean LE8 scores significantly varied by place of birth (Bangladesh 69.3 [14.8]; India 69.2 [11.3]; Pakistan 61.0 [11.7]; Sri Lanka 63.9 [11.7]; United States 68.2 [13.7]; p<0.01). A 10-point higher LE8 score was associated with lower odds of prevalent CAC (OR 0.67 [95% CI 0.58-0.76]). Odds of any CAC was higher for participants with low (score 0-49) or moderate (score 50-80) vs. high (score 80-100) CVH (low: OR 5.43 [2.51-11.77]; moderate: OR 3.23 [2.07-5.06]). Conclusions: The LE8 CVH score is highly correlated with the LS7 CVH score among South Asian American adults, varies across sociodemographic factors, and is associated with odds of prevalent CAC.

Prevalence of Overweight and Obese Prepregnancy BMI and Excessive Gestational Weight Gain Using Asian-Specific Cutoffs Among Asian and Mixed-Asian Women Living in Hawaii: A Retrospective Cohort Study

IntroductionThe use of Asian-specific Body Mass Index (aBMI) cutoffs may be more appropriate than general World Health Organization BMI (gBMI) cutoffs in determining recommended gestational weight gain (GWG) for Asian women. Since aBMI cutoffs are lower than gBMI, more Asian women will be reclassified into higher aBMI categories from gBMI. The prevalence of reclassification and its impact on GWG are not known.MethodsWe utilized the electronic health records of 8886 Kaiser Permanente Hawaii members aged ≥ 18 with a singleton live birth. Prepregnancy BMI was first classified using gBMI criteria, then aBMI criteria. BMI categories were “underweight”, “normal”, “overweight” and “obese”; GWG was classified into lower (“lGWG”), met (“mGWG”), and exceed (“eGWG”) GWG per WHO recommendations. Self-reported race/ethnicity include Asian, Asian + Pacific Islander, and Asian + white. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds of reclassification. The Cochran-Mantel–Haenszel test was used to evaluate associations between race/ethnicity and GWG.Results > 40% of women in each racial/ethnic group were reclassified. Asian + Pacific Islander women had significantly higher odds of being reclassified (p < .0001). In the normal gBMI and aBMI category, Asian + Pacific Islander women had the largest eGWG group. In the overweight gBMI category, Asian + Pacific Islander women had the largest eGWG group; in the overweight aBMI category, Asian + white women had the largest eGWG group.DiscussionA sizable percent of women were reclassified into higher BMI categories when aBMI was applied. Mixed-race Asian women were more likely to exceed GWG recommendations than Asian women.

Prevalence and associated factors of underweight, overweight, and obesity Among Bangladeshi adults: An analysis of demographic and health survey 2017-18

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of underweight, overweight, and obesity among Bangladeshi adults (≥18 years) using the nationally representative Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18 data. An Asian-specific body mass index cut-off was used to define underweight, overweight, and obesity. Multivariable multilevel logistic regression was conducted to investigate associated factors and was reported with adjusted odds ratio [AOR] with 95% confidence interval (CI). The overall prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity was 17.1% (95% CI: 16.2%, 18.0%), 29.4% (95% CI: 28.4%, 30.4%), and 10.8% (95% CI: 10.1%, 11.5%), respectively. Compared to 18-29-year old people, the odds of underweight and overweight/obesity was lower among people with 30–49 years of age, respectively. Males had also lower odds of overweight/obesity than females (AOR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.42,0.51). The odds of underweight declined with increasing education level and wealth quintile. However, the odds of overweight/obesity increased with increasing education level and wealth quintile. Work status or place of residence did not have any significant association. Multisectoral interventions should be launched by targeting the at-risk population for the underweight and overweight/obesity prevention programs irrespective of work status or place of residence. • Approximately every one in six Bangladeshi adults are underweight, and every two in five Bangladeshi adults are overweight. • Older age, less educational attainment, and poorer household wealth quintile are associated with underweight. • Middle age, female gender, increasing education level and wealth quintile are associated with overweight/obesity.

Burden of Elevated Body Mass Index and Its Association With Non-Communicable Diseases in Patients Presenting to an Endocrinology Clinic.

IntroductionIn the last 45 years, the worldwide rate of obesity has risen by nearly three-folds. Globally, 650 million adults are obese and more than 1.9 billion are overweight. The estimated prevalence of overweight and obesity in Pakistan was found to be 25% and obesity prevalence alone was 10.3% using the Asian-specific body mass index (BMI) criteria. According to the World Health Organization, overweight and obesity increase the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).ObjectivesThe aim of this retrospective observational study was to determine the burden of elevated BMI and its association with NCDs among patients presenting to a private endocrinology clinic.Study designThis was a retrospective observational study conducted at Medicell Institute of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism (MIDEM), and the study duration was two years.MethodologyMedical records of the patients who visited MIDEM from January 2017 to December 2018 were reviewed. Patients’ data such as age (in years), gender, height (in cm), and weight (in kg), along with primary complaints and comorbidities were retrieved. BMI was calculated by dividing weight (in kg) by squared height (in m2).ResultsA total of 613 records were reviewed. The median age and BMI were 38 years (IQR=18 - 80 years) and 28.8 kg/m2 (IQR=24.6-33.05 kg/m2),respectively. Out of 613 patients, 10.6% were overweight and 72.6% were obese. Among 510 (83.2%) patients with elevated BMI (≥23 kg/m2), the most frequent associated NCDs were dyslipidemia (39.2%), diabetes (32.5%), hypertension (31.4%), thyroid disorders (28.6%), metabolic syndrome (25%), subfertility (14.9%), impaired glucose tolerance (12.7%) and autoimmune diseases (6.9%). On age- and gender-adjusted logistic regression model, the risk of dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes was significantly higher in overweight and obese patients.ConclusionThis study demonstrated a high prevalence of obesity in patients visiting the endocrinology clinic. Obesity was identified as an independent risk factor for dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes. Future studies are suggested to determine the burden of obesity and establish its association with NCDs in the general population.

Association between maternal prepregnancy body mass index and risk of preterm birth in more than 1 million Asian American mothers.

Asian Americans are among the fastest growing subpopulations in the United States. However, evidence about maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and preterm birth among Asian Americans is lacking. This population-based study used nationwide birth certificate data from the US National Vital Statistics System 2014 to 2018. All Asian American mothers who had a singleton live birth were included. According to Asian-specific cutoffs, maternal prepregnancy BMI was classified into underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 ), normal weight (BMI 18.5-22.9 kg/m2 ), overweight (BMI 23.0-27.4 kg/m2 ), class I obesity (BMI 27.5-32.4 kg/m2 ), class II obesity (BMI 32.5-37.4 kg/m2 ), and class III obesity (BMI ≥37.5 kg/m2 ). Preterm birth was defined as gestational age less than 37 weeks. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of preterm birth. We included 1 081 341 Asian American mother-infant pairs. The rate of preterm birth was 6.51% (n = 70 434). The rate of maternal prepregnancy overweight and obesity was 46.80% (n = 506 042). Compared with mothers with normal weight, the adjusted OR of preterm delivery was 1.04 (95% CI, 1.01-1.07) for underweight mothers, 1.18 (95% CI, 1.16-1.20) for overweight mothers, 1.41 (95% CI, 1.37-1.44) for mothers with class I obesity, 1.69 (95% CI, 1.63-1.76) for mothers with class II obesity, and 1.78 (95% CI, 1.66-1.90) for mothers with class III obesity. Similar patterns of associations were observed in Asian American mothers across different country origins. Among Asian American mothers, maternal prepregnancy overweight or obesity, defined by Asian-specific, lower BMI cutoffs, was significantly associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. The risk of preterm birth increased with increasing obesity severity. These findings highlight the importance of using Asian-specific BMI cutoffs in assessing risk of preterm birth among Asian American mothers.

The Impact of Body-Mass Index on Cardiopulmonary Fitness in Chinese Heart Failure Patients

Introduction Body-mass index (BMI) and cardiopulmonary fitness measured by peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) are inversely related among healthy Caucasians. However, knowledge of Chinese heart failure patients remains scant because they experience significant impaired cardiopulmonary fitness, and Asians have lower BMI cut-offs than whites. Hypothesis Evaluate whether Asian-specific BMI cut-offs for overweight (23 kg/m2) and obese (27.5 kg/m2) reflect significant VO2peak changes, and BMI's impact on VO2peak in Chinese heart failure patients. Methods In this cross-sessional study, data was collected from 70 heart failure patients with NYHA class I∼IV (83% II) and mean ejection fraction of 46.3% in Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine. Height and weight were measured to calculate BMI; and VO2peak was measured via symptom-limited bicycle exercise test. Participants were categorized as healthy (BMI 18.5-22.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 23-27.4 kg/m2), or obese (BMI ≥27.5 kg/m2). Those with BMI below 18.5 kg/m2 were excluded. Between-group differences were identified by one-way ANOVA and post-hoc analysi. Spearman's correlation coefficients and binary linear regression evaluated the relationship between BMI and VO2peak. p Results Among 70 patients, 24 (34%) were classified healthy (BMI >18 kg/m2), 34 (49%) overweight (BMI 23-27.4 kg/m2), and 12 (17%) obese (BMI ≥27.5 kg/m2). VO2peak differed between the three BMI groups (p=0.017); and the obese group had significantly lower VO2peak than the heathy group (-3.9 mL/kg/min, 95%CI: -6.6, -1.2). When patients were sex-age stratified (young: Conclusion Asian-specific BMI cut-offs are useful clinical instruments for detecting statistically relevant decreases in VO2peak among heart failure patients. A negative association exists between BMI and VO2peak, especially in those under 60. For each 1.5 unit increase in BMI, reducing VO2peak showed a clinically significant 1 mL/kg/min decrease among heart failure patients. Larger sample-size research could reveal robust quantitative relationships between BMI and cardiopulmonary fitness.

Prognostic significance of combined pretreatment body mass index (BMI) and BMI loss in patients with esophageal cancer.

Background: Body mass index (BMI) has been associated with a risk of esophageal cancer. However, the influence of BMI and BMI loss on people with esophageal cancer that were treated with different therapies has not been described in China.Methods: In total, 615 consecutive patients that underwent esophagectomy and/or chemotherapy/radiotherapy were classified according to the Asian-specific BMI (kg/m2) cutoff values. The impact of BMI and BMI loss on long-term overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models.Results: Multivariate analysis showed that overweight and obese patients had a more favorable survival than normal weight and underweight patients (p=0.017). Patients with a low BMI and high BMI loss before therapy had worse OS than others (p=0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that patients with a high BMI were more likely to suffer hypertension (p<0.001) and receive only surgery (p<0.001), and they were less likely to be smokers (p=0.007) and anemic (p<0.001). Conversely, patients with high BMI loss were more likely to be anemic (p=0.001), to have advanced pathological stage (p=0.012), and to receive chemotherapy and radiotherapy (p=0.001). Moreover, the mortality rate was higher when patients had a high BMI loss. There is no survival benefit of higher BMI in the non-esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) group.Conclusion: Pretreatment BMI was an independent prognostic factor for long-term survival in esophageal cancer patients treated with different treatments. The overall survival was increased in esophageal cancer patients with a high pretreatment BMI and no BMI loss. There is no survival benefit of higher BMI in the non-ESCC group.

Prevalence and factors affecting underweight, overweight and obesity using Asian and World Health Organization cutoffs among adults in Nepal: Analysis of the Demographic and Health Survey 2016

ObjectiveThere is a little published data on prevalence and determinants of underweight, overweight and obesity among adults in Nepal. This study analysed the cross-sectional Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2016 to obtain these using the World Health Organization (WHO) and Asian-specific cutoffs of body mass index (BMI). MethodsThe 2016 NDHS used a multistage cluster-sampling design to obtain data on major health indicators in Nepal. The BMI cutoffs for underweight was <18.5kg/m2. The BMI cutoffs for overweight/obesity as per the Asian and WHO classifications were ≥23, and ≥25kg/m2, respectively. After reporting the prevalence according to sex and background characteristics, multilevel logistic regression was conducted to estimate odds ratios. SubjectsThis analysis included 12,652 adults (5283 males and 7369 females) with a median age of 40 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 28–54). ResultsThe overall median BMI was 21.5kg/m2 (IQR:19.3–24.3). The overall prevalence of underweight was 16.7% (15.1% among males and 17.1% among females). The Asian-specific BMI cutoffs found the prevalence of overweight and obesity as 26.4% (27.4% among males and 25.6% among females) and 11.0% (7.7% among males and 13.3% among females), respectively. The WHO-recommended BMI cutoffs found 18.2% people overweight (16.7% among males and 19.3% among females) and 4.3% (2.5% among males and 5.6% among females) people obese. The prevalence and odds of extreme body weight categories (i.e., underweight, overweight and obesity) varied according to age, sex, education level, household wealth status, place, ecological zone and provinces of residence as per both recommended cutoffs. Overall, higher education level and wealth status were positively associated with overweight/obesity and inversely associated with underweight as per both cutoffs. ConclusionA large proportion Nepalese adults have either underweight, overweight or obesity, and could be at a greater risk of mortality and morbidity due to these extreme body weight categories. It is essential to address the factors or characteristics that are associated with the higher prevalence and likelihood of these extreme body weight categories to reduce the overall burden of underweight and overweight/obesity in Nepal.

Effect of neighbourhood socioeconomic status on overweight and obesity in children 2-15 years of different ethnic groups.

Studies on the influence of neighbourhood socioeconomic status (N-SES) on overweight and obesity rates in children from different ethnic backgrounds are scarce. This study investigated the differential effect of N-SES on overweight (including obesity) and obesity prevalence in different ethnic groups, and if N-SES explains ethnic differences in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. A population based study of 109 766 body mass index (BMI) measurements of 86 209 children 2-15 years of Dutch, Turkish, Moroccan and South Asian descent. BMI class was determined with The International Obesity Task Force, and South Asian specific BMI cut-offs. WHO BMI criteria were applied for reference purposes. The effect of N-SES on prevalence rates was studied with generalized linear mixed models. Neighbourhood SES was negatively associated with overweight and obesity. However, the effect of N-SES on overweight was stronger in Dutch children (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.73-0.77) than in Turkish (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.82-0.90), Moroccan (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.86-0.97) and South Asian (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84-0.96) children. The influence of N-SES on obesity showed a similar pattern, except for Moroccan children in whom obesity prevalence remained stable over the whole N-SES range. At the same N-SES, overweight and obesity prevalence was significantly higher in Turkish, Moroccan and especially South Asian children compared with Dutch children. Adjusting for N-SES attenuated the ethnic differences. Neighbourhood SES was negatively associated with overweight and obesity rates in all ethnic groups, but only partly explained the ethnic differences in overweight and obesity prevalence.

Prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity and their associated risk factors in Nepalese adults: Data from a Nationwide Survey, 2016.

IntroductionOver the past few decades, the total population of Nepal has increased substantially with rapid urbanization, changing lifestyle and disease patterns. There is anecdotal evidence that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and associated risk factors are becoming key public health challenges. Using nationally representative survey data, we estimated the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among Nepalese adults and explored socio-demographic factors associated with these conditions.Materials and methodsWe used the Nepal Demographic Health Survey 2016 data. Sample selection was based on stratified two-stage cluster sampling in rural areas and three stages in urban areas. Weight and height were measured in all adult women and men. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using Asian specific BMI cut-points.ResultsA total of 13,542 adults aged 18 years and above (women 58.19%) had their weight and height measured. The mean (±SD) age was 40.63±16.82 years (men 42.75±17.27, women 39.15±16.34); 41.13% had no formal education and 60.97% lived in urban areas. Overall, 17.27% (95% CI: 16.64–17.91) were underweight; 31.16% (95% CI: 30.38–31.94) overweight/obese. The prevalence of both underweight (women 18.30% and men 15.83%, p<0.001) and overweight/obesity (women 32.87% and men 28.77%, p<0.001) was higher among women. The older adults (≥65 years) (aOR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.92–2.99, p<0.001) and the adults of poorest wealth quintile (aOR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.62–2.59, p<0.001) were more likely to be underweight. The younger age adults (36–45 years) (aOR: 3.05, 95% CI: 2.61–3.57, p<0.001) and women (aOR: 1.53, 95% CI 1.39–1.68, p<0.001) were more likely to be overweight or obese. Also, all adults were twice likely to overweight/obese (p<0.001). No significant difference was observed for overweight/obesity by ecological regions and place of residence (urban vs. rural).ConclusionThese findings confirm co-existence of double burden of underweight and overweight/obesity among Nepalese adults. These conditions are associated with increased risk of developing NCDs. Therefore, effective public health intervention approaches emphasizing improved primary health care systems for NCDs prevention and care and using multi-sectoral approach, is essential.

Wealth gradient-based divergence in the prevalence of underweight among women by marital status in Quoc Oai district, Vietnam

ABSTRACTBackground: The prevalence of underweight is high among women in Asian countries, despite nutritional changes in the region. Previous studies have demonstrated independent associations between female body weight, marital status and economic status. However, few studies have investigated possible interaction between marital and economic status in relation to Asian women’s body weight.Objective: This study aimed to test associations between household wealth, marital status and underweight among women living in the Quoc Oai district of Vietnam and to identify wealth–marital status interaction in relation to body weight in these women.Methods: Data from 1087 women aged 19–60 years were collected via a baseline community survey conducted in the Quoc Oai district of Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2016. Underweight was defined using an Asian-specific body mass index cut-off (<18.5 kg/m2). Marital status was dichotomized into ‘never married’ and ‘ever married.’ Economic status was measured using household wealth index quintiles. Multivariable logistic regressions tested association between wealth and underweight after adjusting for marital status and other confounders. An interaction term (wealth index*marital status) was fitted to determine whether the association between wealth and body weight is modified by marital status.Results: Our results show that underweight was independently associated with a wealth status (odds ratio [OR]: 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79–0.98, p = 0.026) and ever-married status (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.34–0.75, p = 0.002). A significant interaction effect (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.50–0.90, p = 0.010) indicated that wealthy married women were less likely to be underweight, whereas wealthy never-married women were more likely to be underweight.Conclusions: Our results suggest that the interaction between wealth and marital status has divergent effects on underweight among Asian women. Interventions to reduce underweight among Asian women should simultaneously consider economic and marital status.

Prevalence and Associated Characteristics of Metabolically Healthy Obese Phenotypes in a Community Dwelling Population.

BackgroundRecent research has focused on overweight and obese individuals with healthy metabolic profiles. Metabolically healthy and obese (MHO) individuals may have unique characteristics, compared to metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of both MHO and metabolically unhealthy normal-weight (MUNW) phenotypes in a community dwelling population.MethodsData from women (n=1,916) and men (n=867) aged 20 to 73 years who participated in the Health Examination of Nowon Health Care Center were analyzed. Subjects were categorized according to the presence, absence, or combination of metabolic syndrome and Asian-specific body mass index (BMI) criteria for overweight and obesity.ResultsThe proportions of metabolic healthy individuals in the overweight and obese categories were 67% (overweight) and 39% (obese), respectively. The prevalence rate of the MUNW was 12% of normal weight individuals. Within the overweight and obese categories, MHO individuals tended to be younger compared with their MUO counterparts. High waist circumference (WC) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)levels were two of the most common metabolic risk factors observed in the metabolically unhealthy group.ConclusionThe prevalence of both MHO and MUNW phenotypes is relatively high in this community-dwelling population. There is an urgent need for the implementation of lifestyle intervention, consisting of regular exercise and healthy eating in the Nowon Health Care Center.

Social and clinically-relevant cardiovascular risk factors in Asian Americans adults: NHANES 2011-2014.

Little evidence exists examining cardiovascular risk factors among Asian Americans and how social determinants such as nativity status and education pattern risk in the United States (U.S.) context. We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which purposely oversampled Asian Americans from 2011 to 2014, and examined prevalence of Type II diabetes, smoking and obesity for Asian Americans (n=1363) and non-Latino Whites (n=4121). We classified Asian Americans as U.S. or foreign-born and by years in the U.S. Obesity status was based on standard body mass index (BMI) cut points of ≥30kg/m2 and Asian-specific cut points (BMI≥25kg/m2) that may be more clinically relevant for this population. We fit separate logistic regression models for each outcome using complex survey design methods and tested for the joint effect of race, nativity and education on each outcome. Diabetes and obesity prevalence (applying Asian-specific BMI cut points) were higher among Asian Americans when compared to non-Latino Whites but smoking prevalence was lower. These patterns remained in fully adjusted models and showed small increases with longer duration in the U.S. Joint effects models showed higher odds of prevalent Type II diabetes and obesity (Asian-specific) for foreign-born Asians, regardless of years in the U.S. and slightly higher risk for low education, when compared to non-Latino Whites with high education. Smoking models showed significant interaction effects between race and education for non-Latino Whites only. Our study supports the premise that social as well as clinical factors should be considered when developing health initiatives for Asian Americans.

Trends in adult overweight and obesity prevalence in Mongolia, 2005-2013.

To analyze trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Mongolian adults during the past decade as measured by body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Data from the repeated cross-sectional surveys on the prevalence of noncommunicable disease risk factors conducted in 2005, 2009, and 2013 in Mongolia were used. Linear regression was used to quantify trends in mean BMI and WC, adjusted for age group, sex, and survey year. The age-standardized prevalence of obesity, denoted by the international BMI cutoff values, in men and women between 2005 and 2013 increased from 10.8% to 17.6% and from 18.9% to 26.4%, respectively. Using Asian-specific BMI cutoff values for men and women, the age-standardized prevalence of obesity between 2005 and 2013 increased from 20.0% to 32.8% and 33.4% to 43.7%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased markedly between 2005 and 2013 similarly across all age groups and sexes. It is important to consider the use of Asian-specific cut-offs as the burden of obesity is twice as high as when using international BMI cutoffs. These data demonstrate the urgent need for obesity treatment, prevention, and monitoring in Mongolia.

Influence of body mass index on the long-term outcomes of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent esophagectomy as a primary treatment: A 10-year medical experience.

We explored the influence of body mass index (BMI) on long-term outcomes in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who underwent esophagectomy as a primary treatment. BMI is a risk factor for development of esophageal cancer. However, the details of the relationship between BMI and cancer prognosis remains unclear. Patients who underwent esophagectomy as an initial treatment in 2000 to 2009 period were included. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to Asian-specific BMI cut-offs. The associations between BMI and long-term outcomes were explored. This study included 1082 ESCC patients between 2000 and 2009; all the patients underwent esophagectomy. The median overall survival (OS) of the BMI <18.5, 18.5 ≤ BMI <23, and BMI ≥23 kg/m2 groups were 21, 24, and 29.5 months, respectively; they differed significantly (P = 0.005). The 5-year survival rates of the 3 groups were 24.6%, 30.4%, and 35.3%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that lower BMI was an independent risk factor for a shorter OS (18.5 ≤ BMI <23 kg/m2 vs. BMI ≥23 kg/m2, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00–1.40, P = 0.054, BMI <18.5 kg/m2 vs. BMI ≥23 kg/m2, HR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.09–1.75, P = 0.007). The better OS of the BMI ≥23 kg/m2 patients remained statistically significant in never-smoking patients (P < 0.05). In conclusion, patients with BMIs ≥23 kg/m2 experienced better OS, and multivariate analysis further indicated that BMI ≥23 kg/m2 was an independent predictor of survival. When stratified by smoking status, BMI ≥23 kg/m2 was still a factor in better OS among never smokers.

Genetic predisposition to obesity is associated with insulin secretion in Chinese adults: The Cardiometabolic Risk in Chinese (CRC) study

AimsThe etiological role of obesity in determining diabetes risk among Asians may be different from that among Caucasians. The current study aimed to investigate the association between genetic predisposition to obesity and measures of insulin secretion and resistance in a large Chinese cohort. MethodsStudy samples were from a community-based health examination survey in central China. A total of 2058 subjects with available biomarkers levels were included in the present study. A genetic risk score (GRS) of obesity was derived on the basis of thirteen Asian-specific body mass index (BMI)-associated variants. ResultsHigh obesity GRS was significantly associated with increased homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-B score (β=7.309; P=0.001) but not related to measures of insulin resistance. Adjustment for age, sex, BMI, and levels of lipids did not appreciably change the results. In addition, we found significant interactions between the obesity GRS and measures of body fat distribution including waist circumference (WC; P for interaction=0.004) and neck circumference (NC; P for interaction=0.014) on HOMA-B score. ConclusionsOur results suggest that genetic predisposition to obesity may affect beta cell function in Chinese; and body fat distribution may modify the genetic effects.

Prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in urban Hanoi, Vietnam.

This study aims to assess the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among adults in urban Hanoi, Vietnam; and compare these results to previous estimates among adults in urban Ho Chi Minh City. Survey participants were residents in urban Hanoi, Vietnam and aged between 25-74 years. Data from a cross-sectional biomedical survey conducted in 2004 were collected; which included a questionnaire, physical examination and blood tests. The age-standardised prevalence of overweight and obesity in 2004, using Asian-specific body mass index cut-offs, were 28.6% and 2.1%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight/obesity (combined) was similar in males (29.7%) and females (31.5%), and generally increased with age. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was considerably lower if the standard cut-off values of the World Health Organization were used. The age-standardised prevalence of underweight was 13.3%; and that of 'increased risk'/'substantially increased risk' waist circumference (combined) was 27.9% in males and 25.7% in females, respectively. Almost one in three adults in urban Hanoi were overweight or obese in 2004 and more than one in ten were underweight (based on Asian-specific cut-off values). This prevalence of overweight/obesity is similar to that for adults in urban Ho Chi Minh City, but the prevalence of underweight is lower. While low body weight remains a concern, overweight and obesity are an increasing problem for urban Vietnamese adults.

BMI and all-cause mortality among Chinese and Caucasians: the People's Republic of China and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Studies.

Lower ethnic-specific body mass index (BMI) cutpoints have been proposed for Asians and adapted in some countries. However, to our knowledge, no study has directly compared Asians to other ethnic groups to test differences in associations between BMI and all-cause mortality using common methods. We estimated the association between BMI and all-cause mortality in Chinese Asians and Caucasian Americans to determine if lower Asian-specific BMI cutpoints are warranted. Extant data of the People's Republic of China Study (1983-1997) including 5546 Chinese and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (1987-2002) including 9932 Caucasians aged 45-64 years at baseline were used. All analyses were performed using Cox proportional regression models. Standardized mortality rates were 6.88 (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.75-8.24) and 5.50 (95% CI: 4.74-6.39) per 1000 person-years for Chinese and Caucasians, respectively. Standardized mortality probabilities by age 70 were similar across all BMI categories among Chinese. Furthermore, the probabilities were similar to those among Caucasians with BMI of 27.5-<32.5 kg/m2. The BMI associated with lowest mortality risk was almost identical between Chinese (25.1 kg/m2) and Caucasians (25.2 kg/m2). The analysis of categorical BMI did not reveal an increased mortality risk at any BMI category among Chinese. In contrast, compared to those with a BMI of 23.0-<25.0 kg/m2, risk was elevated by 35% among Caucasians with a BMI of 30.0-<32.5 kg/m2. These findings do not support different BMI cutpoints for Chinese than Caucasians on the basis of mortality rates.

Association between Obesity and Cardiometabolic Health Risk in Asian-Canadian Sub-Groups

ObjectivesTo quantify and compare the association between the World Health Organizations’ Asian-specific trigger points for public health action [‘increased risk’: body mass index (BMI) ≥23 kg/m2, and; ‘high risk’: BMI ≥27.5 kg/m2] with self-reported cardiovascular-related conditions in Asian-Canadian sub-groups.MethodsSix cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey (2001–2009) were pooled to examine BMI and health in Asian sub-groups (South Asians, Chinese, Filipino, Southeast Asians, Arabs, West Asians, Japanese and Korean; N = 18 794 participants, ages 18–64 y). Multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for demographic, lifestyle characteristics and acculturation measures, was used to estimate the odds of cardiovascular-related health (high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, ‘at least one cardiometabolic condition’) outcomes across all eight Asian sub-groups.ResultsCompared to South Asians (OR = 1.00), Filipinos had higher odds of having ‘at least one cardiometabolic condition’ (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.04–1.62), whereas Chinese (0.63, 0.474–0.9) and Arab-Canadians had lower odds (0.38, 0.28–0.51). In ethnic-specific analyses (with ‘acceptable’ risk weight as the referent), ‘increased’ and ‘high’ risk weight categories were the most highly associated with ‘at least one cardiometabolic condition’ in Chinese (‘increased’: 3.6, 2.34–5.63; ‘high’: 8.9, 3.6–22.01). Compared to normal weight South Asians, being in the ‘high’ risk weight category in all but the Southeast Asian, Arab, and Japanese ethnic groups was associated with approximately 3-times the likelihood of having ‘at least one cardiometabolic condition’.ConclusionDifferences in the association between obesity and cardiometabolic health risks were seen among Asian sub-groups in Canada. The use of WHO’s lowered Asian-specific BMI cut-offs identified obesity-related risks in South Asian, Filipino and Chinese sub-groups that would have been masked by traditional BMI categories. These findings have implications for public health messaging, especially for ethnic groups at higher odds of obesity-related health risks.

The impact of body mass index on complication and survival in resected oesophageal cancer: a clinical-based cohort and meta-analysis

Background:Body mass index (BMI) has been associated with the risk of oesophageal cancer. But the influence of BMI on postoperative complication and prognosis has always been controversial.Methods:In total, 2031 consecutive patients who underwent oesophagectomy between 1998 and 2008 were classified according to Asian-specific BMI (kg m−2) cutoff values. The impact of BMI on overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models. We performed a meta-analysis to examine the association of BMI with OS and postoperative complication.Results:Patients with higher BMI had more postoperative complication (P=0.002), such as anastomotic leakage (P=0.016) and cardiovascular diseases (P<0.001), but less incidence of chylous leakage (P=0.010). Logistic regression analysis showed that BMI (P=0.005) was a confounding factor associated with postoperative complication. Multivariate analysis showed that overweight and obese patients had a more favourable survival than normal weight patients (HR (hazard ratio) = 0.80, 95% CI (confidence interval): 0.70–0.92, P=0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that the association with higher BMI and increased OS was observed in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) (P<0.001), oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) (P=0.034), never-smoking (P=0.035), ever-smoking (P=0.035), never alcohol consumption (P=0.005), weight loss (P=0.003) and advanced pathological stage (P<0.001). The meta-analysis further corroborated that higher BMI was associated with increased complication of anastomotic leakage (RR (risk ratio)=1.04, 95% CI: 1.02–1.06, P=0.001), wound infection (RR=1.03, 95% CI: 1.00–1.05, P=0.031) and cardiovascular diseases (RR=1.02, 95% CI: 1.00–1.05, P=0.039), but decreased incidence of chylous leakage (RR=0.98, 95% CI: 0.96–0.99, P<0.001). In addition, high BMI could significantly improved OS (HR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.71–0.85, P<0.001).Conclusion:Preoperative BMI was an independent prognostic factor for survival, and strongly associated with postoperative complications in oesophageal cancer.