Waist-to-height Ratio Research Articles

Correlation Between Prognostic Nutritional Index, Glasgow Prognostic Score, and Different Obesity-Related Indices in People with Diabetes or Prediabetes

Background/Objectives: The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) are associated with patients’ nutritional and immune statuses. One important factor in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is inflammation. Being present in insulin-target tissues, chronic tissue inflammation has become recognized as a crucial aspect of obesity and type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to compare the PNI and GPS levels of the subjects with T2DM to those of prediabetes (preDM) individuals. Furthermore, the goal was to investigate how these inflammatory markers relate to different types of obesity and whether the combination of PNI, GPS, and obesity-related indices was associated with any particular prognostic variables. Methods: In this study, we enrolled one-hundred patients with newly diagnosed T2DM and one-hundred patients with preDM. Results: Four findings emerged from this observational study. As a first observation, 28% of patients with preDM and 15% of patients with T2DM had a normal weight, while up to 43% of patients with preDM and 60% of patients with T2DM were obese. The second important observation was that the PNI of the T2DM patients was significantly lower than the PNI of the patients with preDM (p < 0.0001). The PNI showed that patients with T2DM had a moderate-to-severe malnutrition status (median value of 38.00). Patients with preDM had a mild-to-moderate malnutrition status (median value of 61.00) at diagnosis. Third, observed in the current study, preDM patients with PNI < 61.00 and T2DM patients with a PNI < 38.00 were associated with significantly higher median values of the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) (p = 0.041, and p = 0.034, respectively) and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.016, and p = 0.041, respectively). Fourth, this study also revealed, in the T2DM group, a moderate and statistically significant negative correlation between PNI and weight (rho = −0.322, p = 0.035), waist circumference (WC) (rho = −0.308, p = 0.042), hip circumference (HC) (rho = −0.338, p = 0.039), WHtR (rho = −0.341, p = 0.022), body adiposity index (BAI) (rho = −0.312, p = 0.032), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (rho = −0.318, p = 0.029). Additionally, the PNI values expressed a weak negative correlation with BMI (rho = −0.279, p = 0.015), and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (rho = −0.245, p = 0.025). The PNI levels exhibited a single positive correlation, weak but statistically significant, with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR-CKD-EPI) values (rho = 0.263, p = 0.018). Conclusions: The findings of this study regarding the correlations between PNI, GPS, and different obesity-related indices in people with diabetes or prediabetes suggest that these indices, which assess nutritional and inflammatory status, can be used as independent predictor factors associated with the four pillars of DM management (glucose, blood pressure, lipids, and weight control) recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Association of dietary inflammatory index score with anthropometric measures and obesity indices in Indonesian adults with cardiovascular diseases

Dietary is one of the modifiable lifestyle factors that may affect inflammation status which contributes to obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. This study aimed to determine the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) score and anthropometric measures in adults with CVD. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 105 CVD patients living in Malang, Indonesia. Usual dietary intake was measured using a validated 168-item SQ-FFQ and transformed into a DII score. Body weight, height, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and body fat percentage (% BF) were measured. Obesity indices including body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. ANOVA and ANCOVA were used to evaluate the difference in anthropometric data across DII score tertiles stratified by sex. The mean age of study participants was 64.14±7.99 years old and 63.8% of them were men. Energy and macronutrient intakes were not different between men and women; nevertheless, all intakes were higher in the lowest tertile of DII, except for polyunsaturated fat, vitamin B, vitamin E and zinc. There is an increased trend of all anthropometric measures across tertiles, but no significant difference was found. After adjusting for confounding risk factors, women participants who had higher DII scores had higher weight (p = 0.049), WC (p = 0.024), and HC (p = 0.013). In conclusion, a proinflammatory diet showed by higher DII score and was associated with higher weight, WC, and HC in women with CVD.

Prevalence Rates of Abdominal Obesity, High Waist-to-Height Ratio and Excess Adiposity, and Their Associated Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic Factors: SIMETAP-AO Study.

In addition to obesity, adiposity and abdominal obesity (AO) are parameters included in the cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome. However, their prevalence and association with the other CKM factors have been less studied. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence rates of AO, high waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), and excess adiposity (EA), and to compare their associations with CKM factors. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with a random population-based sample of 6,588 study subjects between 18 and 102 years of age. Crude and sex- and age-adjusted prevalence rates of AO, high-WtHR, and EA were calculated, and their associations with CKM variables were assessed by bivariate and multivariate analyses. The adjusted prevalence rates for AO, high-WtHR, and EA were 39.6% (33.6% in men; 44.9% in women), 30.6% (31.1% in men; 30.6% in women), and 65.6% (65.6% in men; 65.3% in women), respectively, and they increased with age. The main independent factors associated with AO, high-WtHR, and EA were hypertension, diabetes, prediabetes, low HDL-C, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridemia, physical inactivity, hyperuricemia, and chronic kidney disease. Two-thirds of the adult population have EA, one-third have AO, and one-third have high-WtHR. These findings support that the other factors of CKM syndrome, in addition to hyperuricemia and physical inactivity, show an independent association with these adiposity-related variables.

Culturally Tailored Lifestyle Intervention Improves Glycemic Control in a Newly Diagnosed Untreated Type 2 Diabetic Patient: A Case Report

Type 2 diabetes makes up about 90% of all diabetes cases and affects roughly 10% of adults worldwide, with a higher rate among non-Hispanic Black individuals than non-Hispanic White individuals. This case study presents a 45-year-old Black African female newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and referred from her primary healthcare provider with a fasting blood sugar (FBS) reading of 176.4 mg/dl, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 7.8%, weight of 91.5 kg, waist circumference of 97.8 cm, BMI of 35.1 kg/m2, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) of 0.61, and positive family history. The patient had a three-month culturally tailored lifestyle intervention consisting of structured physical activity and healthy local Ghanaian whole foods, plant-based meals, and social intervention. This led to remission with a FBS of 88.2mg/dl, HbA1c of 5.5%, weight of 82 kg, BMI of 31.4 kg/m2, waist circumference 91.4 cm, and a WHtR of 0.57. Blood pressure measurements were normal throughout the three months. A culturally adapted lifestyle intervention was used to achieve remission of type 2 diabetes in the patient. This underscores the role of lifestyle intervention as a cost-effective means of managing type 2 diabetes with remission necessitating the need for its incorporation into routine care for diabetes in primary care clinics.

Body adiposity index and other indexes of body composition in predicting cardiovascular disease in the Chinese population: A Cohort study.

The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of four obesity indicators, including waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), body adiposity index (BAI), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) on prediction for incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Chinese Han population. We analyzed data from a prospective population cohort of 3598 participants aged 35 to 74 years from Jiangsu China. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between four obesity indicators and CVD risk. The ROC curve was used to assess and compare the diagnostic performance of four obesity indicators. During 8 years (median 6.3 years) of follow-up time, 82 CVD endpoints were collected during follow up (36 men and 46 women). After adjustment for age, smoking status, alcohol consumption and family history of CVD, in men, WC, BMI, and BAI were associated with triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and hypertension. In women, WC, BMI and WHtR were associated with TG, HDL-C, hyperglycemia and hypertension, BAI was only associated with HDL-C, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. ROC curve analysis indicated that BAI have the highest area under the curve to identify CVD, and BMI has the lowest area under the curve to identify CVD in Chinese males. WHtR has the highest area under the curve to identify CVD, and BMI has the lowest area under the curve to identify CVD in Chinese females. CVD risk was more consistently correlated with BAI in Chinese men and more consistently correlated with WHtR and WC in Chinese women.

Abstract 4126692: Effect of change in different adiposity indices over 10 years on Incident Type 2 Diabetes: The UK Whitehall II Study

Background: It is accepted that obesity increases type 2 diabetes risk. Some studies have explored associations between changes in body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference (WC), 2 indicators commonly used to assess obesity, and diabetes risk separately. However, there are few studies on the effect of change in waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), an index that has been suggested to be more strongly associated with diabetes than BMI and WC, on incident diabetes. Even fewer studies simultaneously examined the associations of change rate in the 3 indices with diabetes. Hypothesis: WHtR change may be more strongly associated with diabetes than BMI and WC. Aims: This study aims to investigate the change rates of BMI, WC, and WHtR in the UK adult population, and compare the effects of different adiposity indices’ changes on diabetes development. Methods: To make facilitate quantitative comparison of BMI, WC and WHtR, we used their standardized values. Repeated measures of the 3 indices were obtained from Phase 3 (1991-94), 5 (1997-99), and 7 (2002-04) of the UK Whitehall II Study (included persons participated in at least 2 of the 3 visits). Mixed effects model was used to calculate individual change rate of the 3 indices. Non-diabetic participants at Phase 7 were then followed up for incident diabetes until Phase 9 (2007-09). We examined the prospective association between change rate of the 3 indicators and diabetes by Cox regression analysis. Results: A total of 5,539 persons were included (mean age at Phase 3 was 49.6 years, 28.8% women). All adiposity indicators increased during Phase 3-7. The overall change rate of WHtR (0.07 SD/year) was higher than BMI (0.04 SD/year) and WC (0.06 SD/year). There were 375 non-diabetic (Phase 7) participants developing diabetes after a median follow-up period of 5.0 years. Initial WC value (HR:1.56) and WHtR value (HR:1.50) showed a stronger association with diabetes than initial BMI (HR:1.27). When the 3 indices increased at the same rate, WC change (HR:3.83, 95% CI: 2.48-5.93) had a higher risk of developing diabetes than changes in WHtR (HR:3.19, 95% CI: 2.19-4.64) and BMI (HR:2.57, 95% CI: 1.85-3.56). Conclusions: The rate of increase over time was higher in WHtR than BMI and WC in this UK adult population. Increases in WC and WHtR were more strongly associated with incident diabetes than BMI. When the 3 indices increased at the same rate, change in WC increased a higher risk of developing diabetes relative to BMI and WHtR.

Waist-to-Height Ratio Cut-Off Points for Central Obesity in Individuals with Overweight Across Different Ethnic Groups in NHANES 2011-2018.

The identification of surrogate measures of central obesity is of clinical importance, and the waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) has recently attracted great interest as an alternative method. For this reason, we aimed to establish specific WtHR cut-off points for adiposity (i.e., central obesity) in four different ethnicity groups across both sexes based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) population. Of the total 23,037 participants who completed four cycles of the survey between the years 2011 and 2018, anthropometric measures (i.e., body weight, waist circumference, and height) and dual X-ray absorptiometry-derived visceral adipose tissue (DXA-derived VAT) results were available for 3566 individuals who were assessed in this cross-sectional study. Participants with an overweight status defined according to the World Health Organization (WHO) body mass index (BMI) cut-off points (25-29.9 kg/m2) were included. The sample was then categorized by adiposity according to the DXA-derived VAT tertiles (highest), and based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the best sensitivity and specificity were attained for predicting central obesity using the WtHR. The following WtHR cut-offs were identified as having the best discriminating ability for central obesity: 0.57 for White males and 0.58 for White females; 0.55 for Black males and 0.57 for Black females; 0.56 for Asian males and 0.59 for Asian females; and 0.57 for Hispanic males and 0.59 for Hispanic females. These new WtHR cut-off points should be utilized in adults with overweight to screen for central adiposity based on their sex and ethnicity, and obesity guidelines therefore need to be revised accordingly.

Body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, abdominal volume index, and cognitive function in older Chinese people: a nationwide study

BackgroundNumerous studies have indicated an obesity paradox in observational research on aging health, where being normal weight or underweight adversely affects cognitive function, while moderate obesity may offer protective benefits. This study aims to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), abdominal volume index (AVI), and the joint effect of BMI and HC on cognitive impairment in older Chinese people.MethodsA total of 10,579 participants aged 65 years and older from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) were included in this cross-sectional study. BMI, WC, HC, WHtR, WHR, and AVI were calculated from height, weight, WC, and HC measurements, where weight, WC, and HC were obtained by direct measurement. Mini-Mental State Examination was used to assess cognitive impairment. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using binary logistic regression. Non-linear correlations were investigated using restricted cubic spline curves.ResultsIn multivariate logistic regression models fully adjusted for confounding variables, our analyses showed significant negative associations of WC [OR 0.93 (95%CI 0.88–0.98), P = .012], HC [OR 0.92 (95%CI 0.87–0.97), P = .004], lower WHR (Q2) [OR 0.85 (95%CI 0.72-1.00), P = .044], and AVI [OR 0.93 (95%CI 0.88–0.98), P = .011] with cognitive impairment. Nonlinear curve analysis showed that the risk of cognitive impairment was lowest when the BMI was about 25.5 kg/m², suggesting that the optimal BMI for older Chinese people to maintain good cognitive ability may be in the overweight range. In addition, there was a non-linear “N” shaped relationship between HC and cognitive impairment, with HC having the highest risk of cognitive impairment at about 82 cm and the lowest risk at about 101 cm. The joint effects analysis indicated that the lowest risk was observed among those with normal or higher BMI but higher HC compared with participants with normal BMI levels and lower HC levels.ConclusionIn older Chinese people, a low-waisted and high-hip circumference body figure is favorable for cognitive function in older people. It also found a significant association between AVI and cognitive impairment. The joint analysis of BMI and HC suggests that maintaining a normal or higher BMI with a higher HC may be more conducive to maintaining good cognitive function.

Exploring the associations and potential mediators between lipid biomarkers and the risk of developing gout: NHANES 2007–2018

BackgroundGout stands as a prevailing manifestation of inflammatory arthritis. While it is linked to several well-established risk factors, the associations between lipid profiles and the risk of gout remain unclear.MethodsThis research involved National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2007–2018). The cardiometabolic index, which incorporates the Triglycerides (TG)/High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) ratio and waist to height ratio (WHtR), was used to assess lipid profiles and metabolic health. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, propensity score matching, and mediation analyses were utilized to evaluate the associations of lipid profiles and the cardiometabolic index with the risk of developing gout.ResultsAmong 11,032 participants, each 1-unit increase in TG levels was associated with a 65% increase in the odds of developing gout before matching [1.65 (1.15–2.38), P = 0.007] and a 155% increase in the odds of developing gout after matching [2.55 (1.59–4.09), P = 0.007]. Each 1-unit increase in the cardiometabolic index was linked to an 81% increase in the odds of developing gout before matching [1.81 (1.22–2.70), P = 0.004] and a 215% increase in the odds of developing gout after matching [3.15 (1.84–5.40), P < 0.001]. The participants with HDL levels in the third quartile presented a 35% reduction in gout risk relative to those with HDL levels in the first quartile before matching [0.65 (0.46–0.92), P = 0.014] and a 51% reduction in gout risk after matching [0.49 (0.32–0.75), P < 0.001]. Mediation analyses revealed that BMI, WHtR, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) mediated the relationships between TG levels and the risk of developing gout at 18.75%, 24.28%, and 5.35%, respectively. For the association between HDL levels and the risk of developing gout, the mediating effects of BMI, WHtR, leukocytes, γ-glutamyltransferase (in those with HDL < 56 mmol/L), and HOMA-IR were 57.98%, 69.03%, 8.77%, 5.18%, and 11.14%, respectively.ConclusionThis study reveals the relationship between lipid profiles and the risk of developing gout. Regularly checking TG and HDL levels and actively managing obesity, insulin resistance, oxidative stress and inflammation are important for lowering the risk of developing gout.

Associations between various anthropometric indices and hypertension and hyperlipidaemia: a cross-sectional study in China

BackgroundThis study aims to explore the association and determine the distinguished potential of anthropometric adiposity indices in screening for hypertension and hyperlipidaemia in the Chinese population.MethodsA recent nationwide cross-sectional study, called the Thyroid Disorders, Iodine State, and Diabetes Epidemiological Survey (TIDE 2015–2017), provided the newest data on the relationships between anthropometric adiposity indices and hypertension and hyperlipidaemia and included 65,231 subjects. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to assess the feasibility of using these indices to distinguish hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. After age stratification, a restricted cubic spline (RCS) fitted for generalized linear regression was used to visualize the relationships of the body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), the body roundness index (BRI), and the “a body shape index” (ABSI) with hypertension and hyperlipidaemia.ResultsThe results showed that there were significant differences in the BMI, WC, the WHtR, the BRI, and the ABSI among the different age groups (P < 0.0001). After adjusting for sex, age, education, income, smoking status, urban or rural residence, and ethnicity in model, The WHtR and BRI had greater discriminatory power in identifying hypertension (AUC = 0.665, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.660–0.671 for both), hypercholesterolaemia (AUC = 0.629, 95% CI 0.624–0.634 for both), and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; AUC = 0.659, 95% CI 0.653–0.664 for both) status in the overall population. When distinguishing hypertriglyceridaemia among the general population, the BMI (AUC = 0.711, 95% CI 0.706–0.716) and WC (AUC = 0.715, 95% CI 0.710–0.720) had greater discriminatory ability than the other anthropometric indices did. The BMI (AUC = 0.631, 95% CI 0.625–0.637) had the highest power for low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) status in the general population.ConclusionsSeveral anthropometric indices show significant correlation with hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. The WHtR and BRI were better in distinguishing hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and high LDL-C status, while the BMI was better in hypertriglyceridaemia and low HDL-C status. The use of combined indices, such as the BMI, WC, the WHtR and the BRI, can be included in an individual’s medical history and can be used as tools for cardiovascular health screening, which may yield superior results for public health.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Waist and Hip Circumference and Selected Indicators Related to It Among Adolescents From the Kraków (Poland) Population.

The aim of the study was to assess changes in waist and hip circumference, as well as the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) indices among adolescents (11-15-year-olds) from the Kraków during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional studies were conducted in four main districts of the city in the years 2020 and 2022. The study group consisted of 1662 people. Measurements of height, waist circumference, and hip circumference were taken. The collected data were used to calculate the WHR and WHtR indices. Statistical analyses were performed using two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test, as well as the Kruskal-Wallis test, depending on the normality of distribution. An increase in hip circumference was observed in most age groups of both sexes. Among 14-15-year-old boys, an increase in waist circumference was observed, while among girls, the majority of cohorts showed the opposite trend. Additionally, in most age groups, a decrease in the values of WHR and WHtR indices was observed in both sexes, except for boys aged 14-15. The study found that government-imposed restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on waist circumference, hip circumference, WHR, and WHtR indicators among adolescents aged 11-15 from Kraków. While some results showed regression, suggesting potential factors such as reduced physical activity or increased screen time contributing to deteriorating outcomes. On the other hand, not all results changed, which may be attributed to the absence of modifications in dietary habits or physical activity as government restrictions ceased.

Waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio: Exploring the associations for high blood pressure risk in school-age adolescents

BackgroundChildhood and adolescent obesity present a global health concern, notably due to its association with adverse outcomes such as high blood pressure (HBP). Waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) are promising indicators for assessing HBP risk in school-age adolescents. However, their association with Stavnsbo-recommended WC cutoff points and high BP prevalence necessitates further investigation, holding potential implications for early intervention and prevention strategies. ObjectiveInvestigate the association between high blood pressure (HBP) and WC cutoff points advised by Stavnsbo, along with WHtR, in adolescents from privileged socioeconomic backgrounds in Brazil. MethodsThis cross-sectional study in 2022 involved 216 students aged 9 to 16 from a private school in Londrina, Paraná, Brazil. Data, collected through an internal project monitoring anthropometric and social indicators, included validated blood pressure assessments. Statistical analyses, employing t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression, explored relationships between WC, WHtR, and blood pressure, adjusting for covariates. ResultsFemale participants had a lower prevalence of obesity (2.9% vs 5.3%) but a higher prevalence of overweight (27.5% vs 17.5%) compared to males. The overall excess weight prevalence was 26.4%, with females showing lower absolute risk scores for WC (25.5% vs 34.2%), WHtR (19.6% vs 23.7%), and HBP (21.5% vs. 40.3%). Significant associations were observed between HBP and WC (X2 = 9.759, P = 0.002) as well as WHtR (X2 = 6.335, P = 0.012) among males, with those in the “Risk” category exhibiting higher HBP prevalence. Overall, both WC and WHtR demonstrated significant associations with HBP (X2 = 12.428, P < 0.001, and X2 = 9.550, P = 0.002, respectively). Logistic regression indicated higher odds for HBP in males with risk values for WC (OR 3.876 [1.714–8.765 CI], P = 0.001) or WHtR (OR 3.684 [1.457–9.315 CI], P = 0.006). In the overall analysis, participants with risk values for WC had 3.2 (1.688–6.080 CI, P < 0.001) times higher odds, and for WHtR, 3.4 (1.679–6.934 CI, P = 0.001) times higher odds of HBP. ConclusionThis study highlights the associations between WC, WHtR, and HBP in adolescent schoolchildren. The results underscore the significance of gender-specific assessments and emphasize the potential of these anthropometric measures as valuable tools for identifying and managing HBP risk in adolescents. Further research and clinical applications are imperative to deepen understanding and address the health needs of this vulnerable population.

Prediction of Hypertension Based on Anthropometric Parameters in Adolescents in Eastern Sudan: A Community-Based Study.

Anthropometric measures such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) are associated with elevated blood pressure and hypertension in adolescents. We aimed to assess these anthropometric measures (BMI, WC, and WHtR) and examine their association with hypertension in adolescents. Adolescents' BMI, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), WC, body roundness index (BRI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), WHtR, and a body shape index(ABSI) values were measured and calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) were created to determine the discriminatory capacities of these anthropometric parameters for hypertension. The cutoff points for these parameters were identified using Youden's index. A total of 401 adolescents [186(46.4%) were females and 215 (53.6%) were males] were included. The median (interquartile range, IQR) age was 14.0 (12.1‒16.2) years. Thirty-six adolescents were found to have hypertension. Among the anthropometric parameters, MUAC (area under the curve (AUC] = 0.76, at the cutoff 26.1 cm, sensitivity = 61.0, specificity = 83.0), WC (AUC= 0.74, at the cutoff 70.3 cm, sensitivity = 66.7, specificity = 77.0), BMI (AUC= 0.73, at the cutoff 17.4 kg/m2, sensitivity = 83.3, specificity = 59.0), and hip circumference (HC) (AUC= 0.72, at the cutoff 91.0 cm, sensitivity = 55.6, specificity = 83.0) performed fairly in detecting hypertension in adolescents, whereas WHR, WHtR, ABSI, and BRI performed poorly. A univariate analysis showed that, except for WHR, all anthropometric parameters (BMI, MUAC, WC, HC, WHtR, BRI, and ABSI) were associated with hypertension. However, in a multivariate analysis, only increased MUAC (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]= 1.24, 95% CI= 1.03‒1.50) was associated with hypertension. This study showed that MUAC, WC, BMI, and HC could be used to detect hypertension in adolescents. Other parameters,namelyWHR, WHtR, ABSI, and BRI, perform poorly in this regard.Larger studies are needed in the future.

Predictive ability of anthropometric indices for risk of developing metabolic syndrome: a cross-sectional study.

To determine the discriminatory ability of different anthropometric indicators of body fat percentage for diagnosing metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a Peruvian sample. This was a cross-sectional, non-experimental, diagnostic accuracy study. Anthropometric and biochemical data for 948 participants were analyzed. Waist circumference (WC), body mass index, relative fat mass (RFM), conicity index, body roundness index (BRI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and A Body Shape Index were assessed for their MetS discriminatory ability. The National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III criteria were used to diagnose MetS. Receiver operating characteristic curves and area under the curve (AUC) were used to determine the predictive power of each anthropometric measurement to diagnose MetS. In both sexes, RFM, BRI, and WHtR showed the same predictive ability to diagnose MetS. In women, indicators incorporating WC showed high discriminatory ability: RFM, BRI, and WHtR (all AUC: 0.869, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.828-0.910). In men, WC had the highest AUC (0.829, 95% CI: 0.793-0.866). In both sexes, RFM, WC, BRI, and WHtR were the best predictors of MetS diagnosis. This is the first study to identify RFM as a potentially useful clinical predictor of MetS in a Peruvian sample of educational workers.

The association between triglyceride-glucose index combined with obesity indicators and stroke risk: A longitudinal study based on CHARLS data

Background and objectiveThe triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a surrogate marker for insulin resistance, has been proposed as a predictor of cardiovascular events. However, the combined impact of the TyG index and obesity indicators, such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), on stroke risk was not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between the TyG index combined with these obesity indicators and stroke risk in the Chinese population.Materials and methodsData on 17,708 participants aged 45 years or older for this study were collected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) from baseline (2011) to the Wave 5 follow-up (2020). Cox proportional hazards model, restricted cubic spline (RCS) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were employed to examine the association between the TyG index and its combined obesity-related indicators with stroke. Mediation analysis was conducted to explore the mutual potential mediating role of TyG and obesity indicators in the above relationships.ResultsA total of 8,207 participants with an average age of 58.2 years were investigated, of which 11.0% were stroke individuals, 44.80% were men and 84.6% were from rural areas. TyG, TyG-BMI, TyG-WHtR, TyG-WC were significantly higher in stroke subjects than in the non-stroke subjects (P < 0.001), and were significantly and positively associated with stroke in all 3 models (P < 0.05). Restricted cubic spline models revealed nonlinear associations between TyG and TyG-BMI with stroke (P-overall < 0.001, P-nonlinear = 0.003 for TyG, and P-overall < 0.001, P-nonlinear = 0.028 for TyG-BMI), while TyG-WC and TyG-WHtR (P-overall < 0.001 and P-nonlinear > 0.05) demonstrated linear associations with stroke after adjusting for covariates. TyG-WHtR, TyG-BMI and TyG-WC had more robust predictive power than TyG for risk of stroke. TyG-WHtR or TyG-WC had the highest predictive power for stroke (AUC:0.696, 95% CI 0.677–0.715), slightly higher than the other indicators. Associations between TyG, TyG-WC, TyG-WHtR, and TyG-BMI with stroke were found to be stronger among individuals who were ≥ 55 years of age, male. The relationship between TyG and stroke was significantly mediated by BMI, WHtR and WC (15.79%, 21.72%, and 24.06% respectively), while the relationship between these obesity measures and stroke was significantly mediated by TyG (18.48%, 14.45%, and 14.70% respectively).ConclusionThe combination of TyG and obesity-related indicators was significantly associated with stroke risk, and could improve predictive power for stroke compared to the single TyG. Obesity indicators and TyG mediated each other in their respective associations with stroke risk.

Relationship of Body Composition and PMS Symptoms: A Systematic Review

Aims: Recent studies show that body composition is one of the most important factors in the menstrual cycle. The purpose of this study is to investigate more comprehensively the effect of body composition and anthropometric indicators on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Materials and Methods: This study is a secondary study that is considered a systematic review according to the implementation method. The statistical population is all the studies that have dealt with the issue of the effect of anthropometric indicators on PMS from different aspects. Results: The final synthesis was performed on 7 articles after screening the studies. The synthesis of articles related to the relationship between anthropometric indicators on PMS showed that 47.8% of women in the world have PMS, with the highest prevalence being reported in Iran at 98%. Studies have shown that the incidence of PMS, increased appetite, and weight gain in women with a BMI greater than 25 kg / m2 is more common. Weight gain causes endocrine disorders that lead secretion of more sex hormones in obese or overweight women, which in turn leads to the symptoms of PMS. Studies have shown a direct and significant relationship between PMS symptoms waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WTHR), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), which according to the results, more central fat mass in women causes more severe symptoms of this syndrome. Also, studies showed that the risk of depression and anxiety in women with PMS with a higher BMI and body fat mass is higher. Conclusion: Weight control and improvement of eating habits, can be effective in reducing the incidence of PMS symptoms. Furthermore, the high prevalence of PMS in studies requires further investigation and principled interventions with regard to physical and mental factors in this period.

Waist-to-Height Ratio as a Key Predictor for Diabetes and Hypertension in Lao PDR National Health Survey.

This study aimed to determine the potential predictive value of four noninvasive anthropometric indices in screening for the risk of diabetes and hypertension in the Lao population. The data used for this study were collected as part of the National Health Survey which used the World Health Organization's stepwise approach, covered 17 provinces and Vientiane capital, and had a representative sample of 3240 participants above 18 years old. Among the anthropometry indices tested, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) had the highest predictive power for the prevalence of diabetes (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.73) and hypertension (AUC = 0.70). It is suitable for use in urban or rural areas and for fieldwork. The WHtR can serve as a public health and clinical screening tool, as there are no differences between sexes, ages, and ethnicities when monitoring diabetes and hypertension risk in Lao PDR, using the optimal cutoff point of 0.5 for both diabetes and hypertension.

The association between low carbohydrate dietary score (LCDS) and cardiovascular risk factors: results from the Shiraz Heart Study (SHS)

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of death and recent studies have highlighted the potential role of dietary carbohydrate indices in cardiovascular health. Given the controversial results in this field, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between low carbohydrate dietary score (LCDS) and CVD risk factors in a population of Iranian adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted within the framework of the Shiraz Heart Study (SHS) including 1982 adults. The validated 168 items food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess participants’ dietary intakes. To investigate the association between LCDS and cardiometabolic risk factors, logistic regression, was conducted.ResultsDuring 5 years of follow-up, a total of 1982 adults, with a mean age of 53.07 ± 8.38 years, were included to the analysis. The adjusted model based on known confounding factors (age, sex, smoking, physical activity, energy intake and body mass index) revealed a significant decrease in a body shape index (ABSI) (OR = 0.70, 95% CI= (0.50 to 0.98), P = 0.038) comparing highest LCDS tertile vs. the reference. In contrast, risk of hypertension (HTN), body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and fasting blood sugar (FBS) were not significantly associated with LCDS.ConclusionCurrent findings suggest that adherence to a low carbohydrate diet reduces ABSI, a main indicator of central obesity.

Generalised and visceral obesity metrics and ankle-brachial systolic blood pressures during pregnancy

Abstract Background Increased body mass index (BMI) (generalised obesity) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) (visceral obesity) are associated differently with brachial and ankle blood pressures in the general population. Ankle blood pressures are associated with blood glucose in pregnancy. This study investigates the relationship between BMI and WHtR with the brachial and ankle blood pressures separately during pregnancy. Methods Pregnant women were recruited during antenatal visits at an antenatal clinic in Bradford Royal Infirmary, UK, and their BMI, waist circumference, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure were clinically measured by staff in the second trimester. Additionally, blood pressure readings from both arms (left and right brachial arteries) and ankles [dorsalis pedis artery (DP) and posterior tibial artery (PT) on both sides] were obtained using Doppler by research staff. Results A total of 179 women participated, with an average BMI of 28.5 Kg/m2 (SD = 4.97) and average WHtR of 0.61 (SD = 0.08). BMI exhibited a positive correlation with all blood pressure measurements (r = 0.165 to 0.419, p &amp;lt; 0.05), while WHtR demonstrated significant correlations only with the right brachial, left PT, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (r: 0.170 to 0.271, p &amp;lt; 0.05). Moreover, BMI significantly associated with all blood pressure measurements in linear regression models, after adjusting for various sociodemographic and other factors, whereas WHtR significantly predicted only right brachial and left PT and some of the other blood pressure measurements. Conclusions BMI, and to a lesser extent WHtR, are associated with both brachial and ankle blood pressure measurements during pregnancy. These findings underscore the importance of recognizing the varying impacts of cardiometabolic risk factors for early detection and management of potential complications in pregnancy and the postpartum period. Key messages • BMI &amp; WHtR are associated differently with brachial and ankle blood pressures in pregnancy. • Further exploration of combined non-invasive measurements like BMI, WHtR, brachial, and ankle blood pressures in early pregnancy for gestational diabetes mellitus and other co-morbidities is needed.

Unlocking Health Literacy: investigating Parental Health Literacy and Child Weight Outcomes

Abstract Background While parental health literacy (HL) is widely recognized as crucial for child health, research on its impact on children’s weight-related outcomes remains limited. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the associations between parental HL and children’s anthropometric measurements, with a focus on child BMI Z-score and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Methods As part of a cluster randomized trial in primary schools serving vulnerable populations, 735 children (51.7% boys, mean age 7.7 years) participated. Parental HL was assessed using the HLS-Q12 questionnaire, comprising 12 items. Health literacy levels, standardized from 0 to 100, were categorized into ‘inadequate,’ ‘problematic,’ ‘sufficient,’ and ‘excellent’ HL. General HL and three specific domains-health promotion, disease prevention, and healthcare-were computed. Children’s weight, height, and BMI were measured following standardized procedures. Regression analyses examined HL’s impact on BMI Z-scores and WHtR. Results Parents with higher HL in disease prevention and health promotion had children with significantly lower BMI Z-scores, even after adjusting for parental education and children’s sex sex [-0.010 (-0.18; -0.0001) and -0.10 (-0.019; 0.01). Similar associations were found for WHtR [-0.0004 (-0.001; -0.0001)]. Parents with excellent HL in general and health promotion had significantly lower WHtR [-0.027 (-0.046; -0.008)] and BMI Z-score [-0.74 (-1.2; -0.28)]. Conclusions This study highlights the significant role of parental health literacy in shaping children’s weight-related outcomes. Higher levels of parental HL in disease prevention and health promotion were linked to lower BMI Z-scores and WHtR in children, independent of parental education and children’s sex. Enhancing parental HL, alongside promoting healthy behaviors and environments for children, could lead to more effective approaches for addressing this public health issue. Key messages • Parental health literacy is associated with children’s weight outcomes, emphasizing the need for HL-focused interventions. • Higher parental HL is associated with lower child BMI Z-scores and waist-to-height ratios, highlighting potential HL’s role in combating childhood obesity.