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Background: Overweightness and obesity were major health problems in the last century. Chinese acupressure, traditional Iranian medicine, and aerobic exercise are low-risk and low-cost methods for its prevention and treatment. Objectives: The purpose of this study was a comparison of six weeks of Chinese acupressure with traditional Iranian medicine along with aerobic exercise on body weight and serum lipid factors in obese and overweight women. Methods: In this applied study, 24 obese and overweight women with a BMI above 25 were randomly divided into two groups of 12: Chinese acupressure and Iranian traditional medicine with aerobic exercise. In the Chinese acupressure group, the ear acupressure method was used using herbal seed and in the traditional Iranian medicine group, the lunch elimination method was used. The aerobic exercise program of the two groups was performed for six weeks, three sessions per week, and each session lasted 60 minutes with moderate intensity. Body weight, waist-to-hip ratio, lipid factors, blood sugar, blood pressure, and nutritional status of the subjects were measured before and after the study and were analyzed using independent and dependent t-tests. Results: The results of the present study showed that in the Chinese acupressure group, along with aerobic exercise, lipid factors improved, and body weight decreased. In the traditional Iranian medicine group, along with aerobic exercise, lipid factors improved, while blood pressure and blood sugar decreased significantly. In the intergroup results, there was a significant difference only in the blood sugar variable. Conclusions: Both Iranian and Chinese medicine, along with aerobic exercise, had a relatively similar effect on the variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare the ability of anthropometric indices [waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), neck-to-height ratio (NHR), conicity index (CI), body adiposity index (BAI), tri-ponderal mass index (TMI) and body mass index (BMI)] and,measuerments like neck(NC), hip(HC) and waist circumferences to predict overweight and obesity in Iranian preschool children.Materials and Methods: A total of 498 Iranian preschool children were included in this case-control study conducted in Tehran, Iran. The participants were selected using the stratified random sampling procedure based on gender and school. Using sex-based receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis, we compared the area under the curve and defined the cut-off points for detecting central and general obesity for each index in order to identify the most suitable tools in predicting obesity.Results: Boys had significantly higher values for NC, WC, WHR, NHR, CI, TMI and BMI as compared to girls, whereas BAI and HC were higher in girls. The area under the curve was calculated for all the possible predictors of central obesity, i.e., NC (0.841-0.860), WC (0.70-0.679), HC (0.785-0.697), WHR (0.446-0.639) and CI (0.773-0.653) in boys and girls, respectively. And according to the ROC curve analysis, BMI (0.959-0.948), TMI (0.988-0.981), WHtR (0.667-0.553) and NHR (0.785-0.769) were predictors of general obesity and NC (0.841-0.860) as predictor of central obesity in boys and girls, respectively. The optimal cut-off points for TMI (13.80-15.83), NC (28.68-27.5) and for other anthropometric indices were estimated in both boys and girls.Conclusion: TMI and NC seem to predict general and central obesity in Iranian preschool children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obesity, defined on the basis of anthropometric measures is a global epidemic and threatening to healthy population worldwide. A research from China among young adults (20--44 years) recorded six and two times the risk of hypertension (HTN) in individuals who were obese and overweight, respectively, relative to normal weight individuals. This study highlights about anthropometric indices and its association with HTN among young medical students at rural medical college. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1,000 medical students had been enrolled. Anthropometric indices like body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), neck circumference (NC) as per South East Asian guidelines were measured in all students. Results: Among young medical students, the prevalence of obesity defined by BMI, WC, WHR, and NC was 46.5%, 32.4%, 57.3%, and 8.4%. Among males, there was significant positive correlation of BMI with SBP (P < 0.0001) and DBP (P < 0.0001), whereas WC (P < 0.0001) and WHR (P = 0.012) had positive and significant correlation with SBP but not with DBP. Correlation of NC with SBP and DBP was negative but did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.266 and P = 0.670, respectively). Among females, there was significant positive correlation of BMI with SBP (P < 0.0001) and DBP (P < 0.0001), WC had significant positive correlation with SBP (P < 0.0001,) and DBP (P < 0.0001). Correlation of WHR was significant with DBP (P = 0.002) but not with SBP (P = 0.055). Conclusion: The prevalence of HTN in this study was 9.8% in young medical students overall and varies according to anthropometric indices. The prevalence rate varies in males and females depending on the anthropometric measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are increasing data highlighting the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of vitamin D deficiency. But individuals vary in their responsiveness to vitamin D supplementation. In this study, the association between several cardiometabolic risk factors and the magnitude of response to vitamin D supplementation (change in vitamin D level) was investigated using a novel artificial neural networks (ANNs) approach. Methods: Six hundred eight participants aged between 12 to 19 years old were recruited to this prospective interventional study. Nine vitamin D capsules containing 50,000 IU vitamin D/weekly were given to all participants over the 9 week period. The change in serum 25(OH) D level was calculated as the difference between post-supplementation and basal levels. Suitable ANNs model were selected between different algorithms in the hidden and output layers and different numbers of neurons in the hidden layer. The major determinants for predicting the response to vitamin D supplementation were identified. Results: The sigmoid in both the hidden and output layers with 4 hidden neurons had acceptable sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, assessed as the area under the ROC curve, was determined in our study. Baseline serum vitamin D (30.4%), waist to hip ratio (10.5%), BMI (10.5%), systolic blood pressure (8%), heart rate (6.4%), and waist circumference (6.1%) were the most important factors in predicting the response to serum vitamin D levels. Conclusion: We provide the first attempt to relate anthropometric specific recommendations to attain serum vitamin D targets. With the exception of cardiometabolic risk factors, the relative importance of other factors and the mechanisms by which these factors may affect the response requires further analysis in future studies (Trial registration: IRCT201509047117N7; 2015-11-25; Retrospectively registered). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central obesity and body fat distribution measured by waist circumference (WC) and waist hip ratio (WHR) are good predictors of cardio metabolic adversities independent of overall adiposity. There are substantial evidence that body fat distribution is controlled by genetic factors. Even after accounting for body mass index (BMI), individual variation in body fat distribution is heritable, with estimates ranging from 31–76%. Individuals genetically predisposed to store more fat in visceral depots are at higher risk of developing metabolic complications. Several linkage and genomewide association studies (GWAS) for measures of body fat distribution uncovered numerous loci harbouring genes potentially regulating body fat distribution. Additionally, genes with fat depot specific expression patterns (especially, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT)) have provided plausible candidate genes involved in body fat regulation. Further, sexual dimorphism have revealed a remarkable heterogeneity in the genetic regulation of body fat distribution. More than hundred loci have been identified through GWAS, displaying more pronounced effect in females than males, suggesting that both sexes share potentially different biological architecture in traits related to body fat distribution. Moreover, the handful of genes identified by GWAS have been validated in different population groups. This article aims at reviewing the current knowledge of genomic basis of body fat distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fasting has certain effects on metabolic and anthropometric parameters in diabetic patients. It is therefore, necessary for patients to receive proper instructions about their physical activities, eating habits, blood glucose monitoring and medications. Aim: To investigate the effects of fasting on metabolic and anthropometric indices in type II diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was performed during Ramadan 2018. The study population consisted of 40 type II diabetic patients (33 females and 7 males) who wished to fast. They started to follow given instructions on their physical activity, eating habits, blood glucose monitoring, and medications before Ramadan. Anthropometric variables were measured pre and post-Ramadan. Fasting Blood/Plasma Glucose (FBG/FPG), Glucose 2 Hour Postprandial (2h PPG), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and the lipids profile were assessed before and after Ramadan. FPG and 2h PPG were also evaluated on the fifteenth day of Ramadan. Data were presented as mean±SD. Paired t-test was employed and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: After completion of the study, anthropometric variables of patients, including weight (74.9±12.7 vs. 73.0±13.1 kg, p<0.001), BMI (29.9±5.2 vs. 29.0±5.1 kg/m2, p=0.042), waist circumference (106.2±11.8 vs. 105.3±11.6 cm, p<0.001), conicity index (9.94±0.96 vs 9.80±0.99, p=0.085), systolic blood pressure (118.5±10.6 vs. 113.8±9.4 mmHg, p=0.018), Diastolic blood pressure (72.0±7.9 vs. 68.3±7.0 mmHg, p=0.02) and FPG (125.1±27.4 vs. 105.2±21.4 mg/dL, p<0.001) decreased significantly. However, serum triglyceride increased significantly (127.5±45.5 vs. 166.5±53.5 mg/dL, p<0.001) after fasting compared to pre-Ramadan measurements. Changes in other variables were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that fasting had beneficial effect on fasting blood glucose level and anthropometric parameters in type II diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetes, hypertension and obesity are associated with endothelial dysfunction. The first sign of endothelial dysfunction is microalbuminuria. Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure urine albumin to creatinine ratio in obese patients without diabetes and with normal blood pressure. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 adults were chosen with body mass index (BMI) =25 kg/m2. Anthropometry measurements [BMI and waist to hip ratio (WHR)] and biochemical tests were performed. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: Among 200 obese people, microalbuminuria was seen in 22 individuals (11%). The prevalence of microalbuminuria was positively increased with increasing of BMI (P = 0.04). Moreover, microalbuminuria was significantly higher in people with WHR >1 (P = 0.02). Conclusion: Through this study, we detected the association of microalbuminuria with BMI and WHR. Therefore, efforts must be conducted to reduce obesity through lifestyle changes and regular exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been reported that changes in cardiac structure and ventricular function associated with obesity have to be attributable to hemodynamic and non-hemodynamic alterations. Accordingly, the aim of this was to evaluate left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) prevalence and its effect on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in a cohort of obese patients. Materials and Methods: LV internal diameter (LVID), left ventricular mass (LVM) and LVM/height2.7(LVMI), relative wall thickness (RWT), LV ejection fraction (LVEF), E/A ratio, isovolumic relaxation time, deceleration time of E velocity by echocardiography and pulsed-wave Doppler and total circulating adiponectin (ADPN) by radioimmunoassay were measured in 319 obese subjects with and without LVH. Results: Increased values of BMI, WHR, SBP, DBP, MBP LVID, LVM, LVMI, IVST (p <.001), increased prevalence of subjects with LVEF< 50%,(p <.001), central fat distribution (p <.001), hypertension (p <.001), diabetes (p <.001), metabolic syndrome (p <.02), and reduced value of ADPN (p <.0001) and LVEF (p <.001) were detected in LVH obese subjects than controls without LVH. No significant differences in diastolic parameters were observed between the two groups. LVEF correlated directly with ADPN (p <.0001) and inversely with age (p <.01), BMI (p <.01), WHR (p <.001), MBP (p <.01) MetS (p <.02) and LVMI (p <.001). WHR, MBP, LVMI and ADPN were independently associated with LVEF. Conclusions: In conclusion, our data indicate that obese subjects with LVH might be considered a distinct phenotype of obesity, characterised by LVH, increased prevalence of cardiometabolic comorbidities, central fat distribution, hypoadiponectinemia and early left ventricular systolic dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nowadays, obesity and overweight are projected to become main risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to determine the association of anthropometric measures with presence of significant (sig.) CAD as evaluated by coronary angiography, among an adult Iranian population. Methods: The present study included 441 patients (men=275) aged > 30 years with suspected CAD, who had undergone coronary angiography between January 2019 and November 2019. All demographic data and patients' medical history as well as clinical examinations were recorded by a trained physician. Coronary angiography was performed using standard techniques to determine the presence of sig. coronary artery lesions. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the odds ratio (OR) of each anthropometric measure for the presence of sig. CAD. Results: The mean age of participants was 51.2±8.7 years and sig. CAD was detected in 185 patients. Univariate analyses showed that body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were significantly associated with increased risk of CAD. On multivariable logistic regression model, BMI and WHR correlated independently with increased risk of CAD; while higher WC and wrist circumference (WrC) could not predict the CAD risk. The corresponding ORs (95% confidence interval) were 1.36 (1.04-1.74), 1.17 (0.95-1.63), 1.29 (1.12-1.41), and 1.24 (0.76-1.92) for BMI, WC, WHR, and WrC, respectively. Considering the receiver operating characteristic analysis, no superiority was observed for each of the measures for discriminating sig. CAD from non-sig. CAD status. Conclusion: BMI and WHR are independently associated with the presence of CAD among Iranian population. These results emphasize the value of anthropometric assessment among those with suspected CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about the potential role of central obesity among men. Our first aim was to confirm what is already known from prior research, namely that both BMI and WHR are inversely associated with selected semen parameters. Our second aim was to examine the potential role of central obesity by assessing if there was a difference between BMI and WHR regarding their relationships to these selected semen parameters.Methods: In this cross-sectional study between January 2011 to January 2018, we analyzed semen samples from 1169 patients who visited an andrology clinic in Budapest for infertility reasons. Variables assessed were: body measurements (height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference), and the results of semen analysis (sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive sperm motility, and normal sperm morphology).Results: The mean height and weight were 180.6 cm and 87.3 kg, respectively - the mean BMI was 26.8. The mean waist and hip circumferences were 100.9 cm and 94.8 cm, respectively - the mean waist to hip ratio was 0.94. The mean sperm concentration, total sperm count, and percents of progressive motility and normal morphology were 48.7 M/ml, 165 million, 21.2, and 4.8%, respectively. Both BMI and WHR were significant correlates in all semen parameter regression models. When comparing the parameter estimates for BMI with those for WHR for each semen parameter, the parameter estimate for WHR was significantly lower (indicating a stronger negative association) than that for BMI for progressive motility and total sperm count, but not for normal morphology or concentration.Conclusions: Our study is the first to examine, using a large patient sample, the potential role of central obesity by comparing the difference between BMI and WHR as they relate to selected semen parameters. Our findings indicate a potential role of central obesity for progressive motility and total sperm count, but not for normal morphology and concentration. Despite the limitations and the exploratory nature of this study, we can conclude that our results point to a potential role of central obesity in male infertility, but this finding should be confirmed and further explored in future research.Trial Registration: The trial was retrospectively authorized after the data collection on September 24, 2018. Registration number: SE RKEB: 169/2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) including hypertension (HT) which is itself a risk factor for CVDs. There are very few studies on this subject worldwide. Present study was in young adults with hypertension associated with various risk factors. Materials and methods: It was an observational study in patients coming to tertiary care center either getting admitted or coming to outpatient department for high blood pressure or for different reason and incidentally found to have high blood pressure were assessed according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Most of the patients in study were obese 52% and 30% over weight. There was no significant association of hypertension in between genders. Waist circumference was significant when compared with normal and increased in hypertensive patients. Waist to hip ratio was significant when compared with normal and increased in hypertensive patients. It was insignificant when compared between genders. Conclusions: Higher waist circumferences and waist to hip ratio were modestly associated with the presence of Hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is related to chronic inflammation. Various anthropometric measurements have been shown to be associated with complications of obesity. Identification of the most accurate anthropometric measurement correlated with inflammation could lead to early interventions. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between anthropometric measurements and inflammatory biomarkers in obese adolescents. A cross-sectional study was performed on obese adolescents at the Pediatric Nutrition Clinic of Dr Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya. The inflammatory markers High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) were measured using ELISA. Anthropometric measurements including BMI (kg/m²), waist circumference (cm), and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were performed. Statistical analysis was performed using a correlation test with significance set at p<0.05. In total, 59 adolescents aged 13-16 years were included. The mean BMI was 31.99 (26.6-41.13) kg/m² and the mean waist circumference was 100.18 (75-122) cm. There was no correlation between TNF-α and BMI (r=-0.094; p=0.479), waist circumference (r=-0.041; p=0.757), or WHR (r=0.041; p=0.759). There was also no correlation between hsCRP and BMI (r=0.184; p=0.162) or WHR (r=0.146; p=0.274). However, hsCRP had a weak positive correlation with waist circumference (r=0.315; p=0.015). Waist circumference could serve as an indicator of a systemic inflammatory state in adolescents with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is generally classified into generalized obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and abdominal or central obesity (WC ≥90 cm for men and WC ≥80 cm for women) based on World Health Organization recommendation for Asians. Hypertension is one of the most common obesity-related complications, and about 30% of hypertensive individuals can be classified as being obese. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of different age groups (years) on the anthropometric and derived variables. It determined the correlation between anthropometric and derived variables and also estimated the frequency of central obesity and hypertension. Finally, it investigated the relationship between central obesity and blood pressure among rural Bengalee adults of Dirghagram village of Ghatal Block, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India. The present cross-sectional study was undertaken among 310 rural adults (154 males; 156 females) aged over 18 years. Our study was carried out during March, 2017. Height (cm), weight (kg), waist circumference (cm), hip circumference (cm) and blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) were measured using standard procedures. One way ANOVA analysis on most of the anthropometric and derived variables showed a statistically significant increase from younger to older age group in both sexes (p<0.001;p<0.01; p<0.05). In addition to that, more females had central obesity using waist circumference (55.8% vs. 19.5%), waist hip ratio (87.2% vs. 35.7%), waist height ratio (73.7% vs. 44.2%), and conicity index (87.2% vs. 57.8%) criteria, and hypertension (52.5% vs. 27.3%). The prevalence of central obesity was much higher in case of hypertensive individuals. Therefore, the present study showed a high prevalence of central obesity among the rural adults of Dirghagram village. Furthermore, central obesity contributed in increasing hypertension among the villagers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity has emerged as the most potential cardiovascular risk factor and has raised concern among public and their health related issues not only in developed but also in developing countries. The Worldwide obesity occurrence has almost has gone three times since 1975. Research suggests there are about 775 million obese people in the World including adult, children, and adolescents. Nearly 50% of the children who are obese and overweight in Asia in are below 5 years. There is a steep incline of childhood obesity when compared to 1971 which is not only in developed countries but also in developing countries. A considerable amount of weight gain occurs during the transition phase from adolescence to young adulthood. It is also suggested that those adults who were obese in childhood also remained obese in their adulthood with a higher metabolic risk than those who became obese in their adulthood. In India, the urban Indian female in the age group of 30-45 years have emerged as an "at risk population" for cardiovascular diseases. To understand how obesity can influence cardiovascular function, it becomes immense important to understand the changes which can take place in adipose tissue due to obesity. There are two proposed concepts explaining the inflammatory status of macrophage. The predominant cause of insulin resistance is obesity. Epidemiological and research studies have indicated that the pathogenesis of obesity-related metabolic dysfunction involves the development of a systemic, low-grade inflammatory state. It is becoming clear that targeting the pro-inflammatory pathway may provide a novel therapeutic approach to prevent insulin resistance, particularly in obesity-induced insulin resistance. Some cost effective interventions that are feasible by all and can be implemented even in low-resource settings includes - population-wide and individual, which are recommended to be used in combination to reduce the greatest cardiovascular disease burden. The sixth target in the Global NCD action plan is to reduce the prevalence of hypertension by 25%. Reducing the incidence of hypertension by implementing population-wide policies to reduce behavioral risk factors. Reducing cigarette smoking, body weight, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood glucose all have a beneficial impact on major biological cardiovascular risk factors. A variety of lifestyle modifications have been shown, in clinical trials, to lower blood pressure, includes weight loss, physical activity, moderation of alcohol intake, increased fresh fruit and vegetables and reduced saturated fat in the diet, reduction of dietary sodium intake, and increased potassium intake. Also, trials of reduction of saturated fat and its partial replacement by unsaturated fats have improved dyslipidaemia and lowered risk of cardiovascular events. This initiative driven by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, State Governments, Indian Council of Medical Research and the World Health Organization are remarkable. The Government of India has adopted a national action plan for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) with specific targets to be achieved by 2025, including a 25% reduction in overall mortality from cardiovascular diseases, a 25% relative reduction in the prevalence of raised blood pressure and a 30% reduction in salt/sodium intake. In a nutshell increased BMI values can predict the nature of obesity and its aftermaths in terms inflammation and other disease associated with obesity. It's high time; we must realize it and keep an eye on health status in order to live long and healthy life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Obesity is one of the most important risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). There is limited evidence regarding the obesity-related anthropometric characteristics of Korean patients. Materials and Method: Medical records of 984 patients referred to 3 tertiary referral hospitals for habitual snoring or sleep apnea were analyzed. We defined OSA as apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥5 and analyzed data to determine the anthropometric characteristics of patients with OSA such as neck circumference (NC), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and waist to hip ratio (WHR). Results: A total of 952 patients (719 men) were included in the analysis. The main findings were: 1) BMI, WC, NC, HC, and WHR were greater among patients with OSA than among controls (AHI ＜5); 2) for both sexes, the proportion of patients with an OSA diagnosis increased with age; it increased steeply for women aged ＞50 years; 3) WC and WHR were most strongly correlated with AHI for men and women, respectively. Conclusion: OSA is associated with anthropometric characteristics, although different patterns were observed between men and women. OSA was more strongly associated with NC or WC among men and with WHR among women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In high-income settings, body mass index (BMI) and measures of central adiposity, such as waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) are associated with cardiometabolic risk, but evidence from low-income settings, particularly sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), is limited. We assessed whether there are differences between central and general adiposity in their associations with fasting glucose, diabetes, systolic and diastolic blood pressures and hypertension, and whether these associations differ with gender or rural/urban setting in Malawi.Methods: We used data from a population-based study of 27 880 Malawian adults aged  ≥18 years, from both rural and urban areas. We used age-standardized z-scores of the means of BMI and WHR to directly compare their associations with glycaemic and blood pressure outcomes.Results: Mean fasting glucose and blood pressure values and odds of hypertension increased linearly across fifths of BMI and WHR, with stronger associations with BMI. For both BMI and WHR, the associations with outcomes were stronger in urban versus rural residents. The association with diabetes was stronger in women than men, whereas for blood-pressure related outcomes a stronger association was seen in men.Conclusions: BMI is more strongly associated with cardiometabolic risk in SSA, and might be a more useful measure than WHR, in this population. The greater positive association of adiposity with cardiometabolic outcomes in urban residents (where rates of overweight/obesity are already high) highlights the particular importance of addressing obesity within urban SSA populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is considered as a metabolic disorder and it is one of the most common endocrine and heterogeneous disorders with complex pathogenesis among women in reproductive ages. This study was done to evaluate the accuracy of diagnosis of lipid accumulate product index (LAP), insulin resistance, waist circumference and waist to hip ratio in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Methods: In this case control study, antropometrics, biochemical parameters, LAP and insulin resistance in 43 women suffering from PCOS as case and 40 healthy women as control were measured. Body mass index (BMI), waist hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC) was determined for each subject. LAP was defined as [WC (cm)-58TG (m mol/L)]. PCOS was diagnosed according to Roterdam standard .Insulin resistance was defined based on Homeostatic model assessment - insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results: The mean age, BMI, WHR and LAP index, among PCOS women were 24.06±5.86, 26.61±4.34, 0.81±0.061 and 47.13±4.13, respectively. There was a direct and significant correlation between HOMA-IR index and BMI, WC and LAP in case group (P<0.05). Statistical analysis showed that the optimal cut-off value of LAP, BMI, WC and WHR were 46.93, 27.91, 93 and 0.81 respectively. Conclusion: The WC, BMI and LAP indices are useful in screening the insulin resistance in patients with PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Are the association Anthropometric Measures for CVD risk factors across different socio-economic groups residing in Chennai belonging to West India who follow a purely vegetarian diet and South India who have mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian diet? A cross sectional study among West Indian and South Indian Women. 365 women had participated. Anthropometric measures such as height, weight, waist circumference and hip circumference were measured. Body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), waist to height ratio (WHtR) were computed. Data entered in MS Excel Sheet and analysed by STATA Software. Data expressed as mean, standard deviation, and percentage. Tests applied were simple regressions analysis and correlation tests. Anthropometric parameters of mean body mass index indicated the prevalence of overweight among the study subjects (24.55+2.33,23.54+1.55, 24.19+1.90,23.53+1.81,23.83+1.46) and a positive correlation seemed to exist between BMI and WHR significant at 1 percent and 5 percent level. Significant association do exist but are not strongly correlated. Associations also vary depending on the ethnicity of West Indian versus South Indian community or Low income versus high income/middle income groups respectively. The results imply that anthropometric indicators of body mass index and waist to hip ratio seem to prove as best indicators of obesity among the study population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As the high incidence of hypertension has been in conjunction with dramatic increase in the prevalence of obesity, many studies have suggested obesity as its underlying cause in diverse race and ethnic groups. Aim: The present study was designed to quantify the relationship between obesity variables and hypertension in Iranian population. A ROC curve analysis was also used to determine an optimal BMI cutoff for obesity with the aim of representing elevated incidence of hypertension in this population. Methods: The study population comprised of apparently healthy men and women who participated in the Iranian Multi-centric Osteoporosis Studies (IMOS), a multi-centric cross-sectional study carried out in urban areas of five great cities (Tehran, Tabriz, Mashhad, Shiraz and Bushehr). The anthropometric (weight, height, waist and hip circumferences) and blood pressure measures were reported in some 5724 subjects. The influence of these factors on systolic and diastolic blood pressure was assessed based on a list-wise method. Results: There was a significant difference in the studied subjects anthropometric (weight classes (BMI), WC and HC, and WHR) and blood pressure variables; age, gender and weight, however, were the only factors significantly influencing SBP and DBP. Furthermore, BMI showed a significant impact on the overall risk of developing hypertension. Conclusion: General obesity rather than abdominal obesity is directly linked with higher blood pressure levels in Iranian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are major health problems showing an inconstant relationship in the literature. Therefore, anthropometric parameters which are predictive and can simply be assessed at first patient presentation may lead to a better patient selection for ambulatory reflux monitoring. We aimed to examine the association of body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) with gastroesophageal reflux activity during 24 hour-pH-impedance monitoring. Methods Seven hundred and seventy-one patients with GERD symptoms underwent 24 hour-pH-impedance monitoring and high resolution manometry off proton pump inhibitors. Patients with known primary motility disorders of the esophagus and pre-existing endoscopic or operative procedure on esophagus or stomach were excluded from the study. Reflux parameters and anthropometric and demographic data from our prospectively gathered database were analyzed. We performed univariate and multivariate regression analysis to evaluate the associations of BMI and WHR with reflux parameters measured with 24 hour-pH-impedance monitoring. Key Results WHR showed a significantly stronger association with esophageal acid exposure than BMI ( P<.001). Our data show that 6.9% of the percentage of endoluminal pH<4 in the distal esophagus is attributable to WHR. Furthermore, an association of WHR with impaired esophageal acid clearance was observed. Additionally, we observed an inverse relationship between lower esophageal sphincter integrity ( P=.05) and esophageal acid exposure. Conclusions and Inferences WHR is a better predictor for esophageal acid exposure than BMI. Biomechanical and metabolic mechanisms of central fat distribution may influence reflux parameters in 24 hour pH impedance monitoring, which may affect patient selection for ambulatory reflux monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several meta-analyses of observational studies have been performed to examine the association between general obesity, as measured by body mass index (BMI), and lung cancer. These meta-analyses suggest an inverse relation between high BMI and this cancer. In contrast to general obesity, abdominal obesity appears to play a role in the development of lung cancer. However, the association between abdominal obesity (as measured by waist circumference (WC) (BMI adjusted) and waist to hip ratio (WHR)) and lung cancer is not fully understood due to sparse available evidence regarding this association. PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for studies assessing the association between abdominal obesity and lung cancer up to October 2016. The summary relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with a random-effects model. Six prospective cohort studies with 5827 lung cancer cases among 831,535 participants were included in our meta-analysis. Each 10 cm increase in WC and 0.1 unit increase in WHR were associated with 10% (RR 1.10; 95% CI 1.04, 1.17; I² = 27.7%, p-heterogeneity = 0.198) and 5% (RR 1.05; 95% CI 1.00, 1.11; I² = 25.2%, p-heterogeneity = 0.211) greater risks of lung cancer, respectively. According to smoking status, greater WHR was only positively associated with lung cancer among former smokers (RR 1.11; 95% CI 1.00, 1.23). In contrast, greater WC was associated with increased lung cancer risk among never smokers (RR 1.11; 95% CI 1.00, 1.23), former smokers (RR 1.12; 95% CI 1.03, 1.22) and current smokers (RR 1.16; 95% CI 1.08, 1.25). The summary RRs for highest versus lowest categories of WC and WHR were 1.32 (95% CI 1.13, 1.54; I² = 18.2%, p-heterogeneity = 0.281) and 1.10 (95% CI 1.00, 1.23; I² = 24.2%, p-heterogeneity = 0.211), respectively. In summary, abdominal obesity may play an important role in the development of lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Shiftwork is common in health care settings and has been hypothesized as a risk factor for being overweight or obese. We examined the relation between shift work and being overweight or obese, adjusting for stress and lifestyle habits in Colombian health care workers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the association between shift work and being overweight obese in employees of a health care setting in Medellin, Colombia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 200 workers in a health care setting. Participants completed a demographic, occupational, work-related stress and life style questionnaire. Their Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio were also measured. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 160 (80%) females and 40 (20%) males. Mean age was 35.1±9.1 years and mean BMI was 25±3.9. After adjusting for potential confounders, multivariate logistic regression revealed no statistically significant association between being overweight, being obese or waist to hip ratio and shift work; 95%CI OR: 1.08 (0.62-1.89), 1.33 (0.44-3.99) and 1.2 (0.8-1.9), respectively. Day workers were statistically more likely to smoke, work more hours, and have a higher educational level than shift workers. CONCLUSIONS: No significant associations between shift work and being overweight obese were observed in health care workers in a Colombian setting. These findings need to be confirmed through longitudinal studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) with various anthropometric and atherogenic parameters in adult Kazakh population in China. Methods: Four thousand ninety-four Kazakhs were recruited since 2007 to 2010. MetS and its components were confirmed according to IDF criteria. Area under the curve (AUC) of each variable was compared. Sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe), shortest distance in receiver's operating characteristic curve (ROC) and cutoff of each variable to diagnose MetS were calculated. Results: 28.6 % of men and 31.0 % of women had MetS in the Kazakh population. In men, WHtR had the highest AUC value 0.821, followed by BMI (0.801), TG/HDL-C (0.792), WHR (0.776) and BAI (0.666). In women, WHtR also had the highest AUC value (0.835), following by BMI (0.789), WHR (0.778), TG/HDL-C (0.778) and BAI (0.751). WHtR had the shortest ROC distance that was 0.37 and the optimal cutoff was 0.55 in men. In women, WHtR also had the shortest ROC distance of 0.35 and the optimal cutoff was 0.54. Conclusion: WHtR is the best predictor of MetS in both Kazakh men and women according to the IDF criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The associations of body mass index (BMI) and other anthropometric measurements with lung cancer were examined in 348,108 participants in the European Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) between 1992 and 2010. The study population included 2,400 case patients with incident lung cancer, and the average length of follow-up was 11 years. Hazard ratios were calculated using Cox proportional hazard models in which we modeled smoking variables with cubic splines. Overall, there was a significant inverse association between BMI (weight (kg)/height (m)²) and the risk of lung cancer after adjustment for smoking and other confounders (for BMI of 30.0-34.9 versus 18.5-25.0, hazard ratio = 0.72, 95% confidence interval: 0.62, 0.84). The strength of the association declined with increasing follow-up time. Conversely, after adjustment for BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio were significantly positively associated with lung cancer risk (for the highest category of waist circumference vs. the lowest, hazard ratio = 1.25, 95% confidence interval: 1.05, 1.50). Given the decline of the inverse association between BMI and lung cancer over time, the association is likely at least partly due to weight loss resulting from preclinical lung cancer that was present at baseline. Residual confounding by smoking could also have influenced our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: India's national rural prevalence of type 2 diabetes has quadrupled in the past 25 years. Despite the growing rural burden, few studies have examined putative risk factors and their relationship with glucose intolerance and diabetes in rural areas. We undertook a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and type 2 diabetes in a rural area of south India. In addition, we determined which factors were associated with type 2 diabetes. Methods: We sampled 2% of the adult population from 17 villages using a randomized household-level sampling technique. Each participant undertook a questionnaire that included basic descriptive information and an assessment of socioeconomic status, physical activity, and dietary intake. Height, weight, waist and hip circumference, and blood pressure measurements were taken. An oral glucose tolerance test was used to determine diabetes status. We used stepwise logistic model building techniques to determine associations between several putative factors and type 2 diabetes. Results: 753 participants were included in the study. The age- and sex-standardized prevalence of IFG was 3.9%, IGT was 5.6%, and type 2 diabetes was 10.8%. Factors associated with type 2 diabetes after adjusting for confounders included physical activity [OR 0.81], rurality [OR 0.76], polyunsaturated fat intake [OR 0.94], body mass index [OR 1.85], waist to hip ratio [OR 1.62], and tobacco consumption [OR 2.82]. Conclusion: Our study contributes to the growing body of research suggesting that diabetes is a significant concern in rural south India. Associated risk factors should be considered as potential targets for reducing health burdens in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity is a fast growing problem in the developing countries like India and is now known to be associated with increased health risk. Realizing the fact that the obesity in adolescent age group does not receive the deserved attention in the prevention and control programme, the present study was undertaken on 585 adolescent subjects studying in one college and three schools. Aims and Objectives: 1. To study the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescent population. 2. To find the association of body mass index (BMI) with important parameters like skin fold thickness, waist circumference and waist to hip ratio. Methods: It was a cross sectional observational study. The study population was school and college going adolescents in the age group of 11-19 years. The estimated sample size for present study is 585 students. The subjects were screened by body mass index, skin fold thickness, waist circumference and waist to hip ratio. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 19.14% and 4.44% respectively. It was found that there was strong association between the waist circumference with overweight and obesity. Similarly a strong association between waist to hip ratio with overweight and obesity has been found. Also it was found that there was a strong association between skin fold thickness with overweight and obesity. Skin-fold thickness has more sensitivity as compared to waist circumference and waist to hip ratio. Waist to hip ratio has got maximum specificity amongst all but when both sensitivity and specificity criteria are considered together waist circumference stands out. Conclusion: It was found that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 19.14% and 4.44% respectively. Skin-fold thickness has more sensitivity as compared waist circumference and waist to hip ratio. Waist to hip ratio has got maximum specificity. When sensitivity and specificity criteria are considered together waist circumference can be effectively used as screening tool [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate the anthropometric indices in community-dwelling people aged 70-90 years in Sydney, Australia. Method Cross-sectional data were collected during the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study from two federal government electoral areas from 2005-2007. Participants with no dementia were recruited to the study (n = 1037). The anthropometric parameters including body weight, standing height, waist circumference and hip circumference were obtained with the average participation rate of 97%. The study population was then stratified by gender and age groups. Results With increasing age, the body weight and standing height decreased, while waist circumference and waist to hip ratio showed different patterns. With reference to the World Health Organization classification for body mass index, overweight and obesity were found in 75.3% of men and 61.2% of women. In particular, the result revealed that 23% of the study cohort was obese. While all men had mean waist to hip ratios exceeding the cut-off value (≥0.90), only 53.7% of women were categorised as having a condition leading to increased risk of mortality (≥0.85). The mean waist to hip ratio in men and women was 0.96 ± 0.06 and 0.86 ± 0.07, respectively (±standard deviation). Conclusions This study provides gender- and age-specific distributions for six anthropometric measurements for older Australians to identify individuals with potentially greater risk of disease. Overweight and obesity are common in the older population. However, more data from across Australia are needed to confirm the findings from this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Alterations in postprandial metabolism have been described in familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCH); however, their underlying mechanisms are not well characterized. We aimed to identify factors related to the magnitude of postprandial lipemia and apolipoprotein (apo) A-V levels in subjects with FCH. Methods FCH cases (n = 99) were studied using a standardized meal test. Abdominal obesity was assessed using the waist to hip ratio (WHR). A linear regression model was performed to investigate the variables associated with the triglycerides incremental area under the curve (iAUC). Independent associations between metabolic variables and apo A-V iAUC were also investigated in a randomly selected subgroup (n = 44). The study sample was classified according to the presence of fasting hypertriglyceridemia (≥150 mg/dL) and abdominal obesity (WHR ≥0.92 in men and ≥0.85 in women) to explore differences in parameters. Results The fasting apo B-48 levels (r = 0.404), and the WHR (r = 0.359) were independent factors contributing to the triglycerides iAUC (r² = 0.29, P < 0.001). The triglycerides iAUC was independently associated with the apo A-V iAUC (r² = 0.54, P < 0.01). Patients with both hypertriglyceridemia and abdominal obesity showed the most robust triglycerides and apo AV postprandial responses. Conclusions In patients with FCH the fasting apo B-48 level is the main factor associated with postprandial lipemia. Abdominal obesity also contributes to the magnitude of the postprandial response. The triglycerides postprandial increment is the principal factor associated with the apo A-V postprandial response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In sedentary life style, there is an excess of adipose tissue accumulation, an altered metabolic profile occurs along with a variety of adaptations / alterations in anthropometric parameters even in the absence of co-morbidities. Therefore, this study was undertaken to analyze the differences in certain anthropometric parameters in sedentary and non-sedentary male subjects in the age group of 25-55 years. Methods:53 healthy sedentary and 47 healthy non-sedentary male subjects were selected randomly from the general population of Davangere city. Anthropometric parameters such as weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist to hip ratio were assessed. Results: In our study, there was statistically significant increase in body mass index, waist to hip ratio, mid arm circumference. Although our study is by no means exhaustive, it provides a glimpse into the variety of adaptations /alterations in anthropometric parameters that occurs due to sedentary life style, even in the absence of overt disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In sedentary life style, there is an excess of adipose tissue accumulation, an altered metabolic profile occurs along with a variety of adaptations / alterations in anthropometric parameters even in the absence of co-morbidities. Therefore, this study was undertaken to analyze the differences in certain anthropometric parameters in sedentary and non-sedentary male subjects in the age group of 25-55 years. Methods: 53 healthy sedentary and 47 healthy non-sedentary male subjects were selected randomly from the general population of Davangere city. Anthropometric parameters such as weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist to hip ratio were assessed. Results: In our study, there was statistically significant increase in body mass index, waist to hip ratio, mid arm circumference. Although our study is by no means exhaustive, it provides a glimpse into the variety of adaptations /alterations in anthropometric parameters that occurs due to sedentary life style, even in the absence of overt disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of HTN varies considerably worldwide. This study was carried out to illustrate the prevalence of hypertension in a group of Iranian population based on the data gathered for Iranian Multi-centric Osteoporosis Studies (IMOS). Methods: This study analyzes the systolic and diastolic blood pressure from the IMOS, a multi-centric cross-sectional study carried out on apparently healthy men and women in urban areas of major Iranian cities to study bone health. Results: Overall, 26.21% of the studied cases were estimated to be hypertensive; the condition was more prevalent among older males. Each year increase in age was associated with 1.070 higher risk of developing hypertension. Conclusion: Hypertension is quite prevalent among Iranian population and the prevalence of the condition is rising in the context of progressive rise in age and BMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lot of midlife women experience a great deal of menopausal symptoms. Their frequency within a given population may vary and depend on several factors such as age, menopausal status, health factors, including obesity. This study aims to investigate the incidence of menopausal symptoms among obese and non-obese midlife women, and to evaluate contribution of obesity as predisposing factor for menopausal symptoms to their manifestation. The studied cohort consisted of 297 women ranging from 39 to 59 years of age. Among them there were 63 women with obesity (body mass index, BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) and of 39 women with abdominal obesity (waist to hip ratio, WHR>0.89). Women were recruited from the western and middle parts of Slovakia. All participants completed a menopause-specific questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken using the standard anthropometric techniques. All statistical computations were performed by the SPSS 17.0 software programme (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Stepwise logistic regression analysis demonstrated that increase in facial hair was influenced by age (p<0.001) and obesity (p=0.015). Low backache was influenced by WHR (p=0.031), obesity (p=0.008) and cardiovascular disease (p=0.024). The significant impact of BMI was recorded on the involuntary urination (p=0.002). The menopausal symptom 'more clumsy then usual' was influenced by marital status (p=0.044), hypertension (p=0.021) and the presence of cardiovascular disease (p=0.023). We investigated the effect of menopausal status (p=0.010) and abdominal obesity (p=0.035) on the loss of sexual interest. Herein we present evidence that obesity could be involved in menopausal symptomatology among Slovak midlife women. We demonstrate that obese women have a higher susceptibility to increase in facial hair and backache, and women with abdominal obesity to loss of sexual interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity is very close. Obesity is common in women aged between 45-49 yrs . Prevalence of Impaired Fasting Glucose also seems to be higher in women than men in the Indian population. The study was undertaken to find the correlation of Fasting Plasma Glucose (FBG) level with Waist Circumference (WC) & Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) Objectives: To study fasting Plasma glucose levels in relation with Waist Circumference (WC ) and Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) to find which type of obesity Central, General or both are important for development of type 2 D.M. Material and Method: Fasting Plasma glucose levels were estimated in 100 asymptomatic middle aged women with no family history of type 2 D.M. Waist circumference & hip circumference were estimated in the same subjects. Correlation of FBG levels with WC & WHR was found by using correlation coefficient. Result: In the entire subject population (n=100), a statistically significant correlation between FBG levels with WC was noted. However, no statistically significant correlation of FBG with WHR was noted Conclusion: In a nutshell WC may be good risk predictor for type 2 D.M. than WHR, specially in the women aged between 45-49 yrs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Koraga community is considered to be one of primitive tribal groups (PTGs) deprived of social benefits. Most of the Koraga community in South India is spread around Western Ghats forest. Since they are deprived of social benefits, there are numerous government and non-government sponsored programme to uplift the community. The objective of this study was to identify the incidence of metabolic syndrome, anemia and altered liver function in the Koraga community residing in Udupi district, South Karnataka, India. Routine health check-up camp was conducted exclusively for Koraga community residing in Udupi district. Both males and females irrespective of age group were checked for height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure. Random blood samples were collected for assessing haemoglobin, blood sugar, lipid profile and liver function parameters. Body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were calculated using anthropometric measurements. Haemoglobin levels are found to be decreased in Koraga community people (p<0.0001). There was a significant liver dysfunction in them (p<0.0001). Interestingly, BMI and waist circumference of Koraga people were significantly lower than that of control population (p<0.0001), but their WHR was found to be significantly higher (p<0.0001). Among lipid profile parameters, there was significant increase total cholesterol and triacylglycerol (p<0.0001), but it may be because of random blood sample. Our study indicates, definite presence of anaemia in the female population of the Koraga community, and liver dysfunction in the Koraga community as a whole, mostly alcohol induced. Our study gives a clue towards presence of obesity in Koraga females, but to prove or disprove the presence of metabolic syndrome in the Koraga community, further studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Obesity is a condition of abnormal or excessive fat accumulation in adipose tissue to the extent that health may be impaired. The worldwide epidemic of excess weight is due to imbalance between physical activity and dietary energy intake. The present study was aimed to study the effectiveness of submaximal aerobic exercise intervention on obese population. The objectives of the study were to study the effect of the intervention on body mass index and waist to hip ratio. Materials and Method: Thirty patients with clinical diagnosis of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m2) were recruited. Patients were divided into two groups i.e. control group (group A) and experimental group (group B). Control group received diet modification whereas experimental group received submaximal aerobic exercise along with diet modification. Outcome measures were documented using body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (W/H) on first day pre intervention and last day post intervention. Results: The t-test value of BMI for group A is 5.16 and for group B is 8.08. The t-test value of W/H for group A is 4.26 and for group B is 5.04. The mean values of BMI and W/H for control group are 0.93±0.70 and .052±.04. The mean values of BMI and W/H for experimental group are 1.86±0.91 and 0.11±.091.The unpaired t-test was used for between group analyses for all the outcome measures. Level of significance was defined at p < 0.05 and confidence interval of 95 % was taken. The results of unpaired t-test were as follows:BMI: 3.206 (p≤0.05) W/H: 2.50 (p≤0.05) Conclusion & Clinical Significance: The conclusion of the study is that submaximal aerobic exercise is helpful in reduction of body mass index and waist to hip ratio in obese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: India is on the verge of being the diabetic capital of the world, owing to the increasing prevalence of diabetes in India. The aim of this study was to find the association between anthropometry and dyslipidaemia, with a particular reference to the triacylglycerol levels, besides suggesting a better anthropometric variable. Method: A group of eighty diabetic patients took part in the study. The Waist Circumference (WC), the waist to hip ratio, the serum triacylglycerol (TAG) levels and the glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were measured and studied. Results: We found out that there was a significant association between the WC and the TAG levels (p-value = 0.030), between high TAG levels and high HbA1c values (p-value = 0.038) with greater accuracy, in favour of the waist circumference. Conclusion: This depicted the fact that a simple measuring tape which is used in measuring the WC, could prove to be a useful and a cost-effective diagnostic approach for monitoring the metabolic complications of type 2 DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Lower serum total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (tPSA) have been reported in obese men. It has not been confirmed if this association truly exists in all ethnic groups. Thus, we evaluated the relationship between tPSA and obesity among Nigerian men. Methods: Men aged ≥40 years with tPSA <20 ng/ml and no known prostatic disease were involved. Obesity was defined using the body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR). Multivariate linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between tPSA and either BMI or WHR. The odds of having abnormal tPSA were estimated using logistic regression. Results: A total of 3,191 men participated, and 3,049 (95.6%) were eligible for analysis. A BMI ≥25.0 and a WHR ≥0.9 were found in 47.7 and 64.6%, respectively. tPSA was significantly associated with age (p < 0.001) and digital rectal examination status (p < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed no relationship between tPSA and obesity (BMI, p = 0.581; WHR, p = 0.160). Adjusting for age and digital rectal examination status, logistic regression showed no significantly observable trend of having a tPSA level greater than thresholds for men with a BMI ≥25 or a WHR ≥0.9 when compared with normal BMI or WHR, respectively. Conclusion: Although overweight and obesity were common among healthy Nigerian men, there was no associated tendency towards lower serum tPSA. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: High-glycemic index (GI) diet has been associated with obesity, but epidemiological data are inconsistent. We therefore investigated the relation between GI and glycemic load (GL) with body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR), as a measure of body fat distribution. Methods: We analysed data from the control group of a network of hospital-based case-control studies from Italy. A total of 7,724 patients (3,482 men, 4,242 women; age range 18-82 years) were interviewed using a validated 78-item food-frequency questionnaire. Results: Mean BMI decreased from the lowest to the highest tertile of GI from 26.59 to 26.18 kg/m in men ( p ~ 0.005), and from 25.81 to 25.09 kg/m in women ( p < 0.001). With respect to GL tertiles, the corresponding values were 26.41 and 26.25 kg/m in men ( p ~ 0.51), and 26.01 and 24.93 kg/m in women ( p < 0.001). Using linear regression models including terms for major potential confounding factors and energy intake, GI and GL were inversely related to BMI: the coefficients (for the highest compared to the lowest tertile) were −0.46 among men and −0.81 among women for GI, and −0.79 and −1.33 for GL. No consistent association was found with WHR. Conclusions: GI and GL were, if anything, inversely related to BMI and WHR in this Italian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an obesity epidemic worldwide, which has been increasing in recent years. An epidemiologic cross-sectional study was conducted among 3799 persons who were 30–70 years old in Semnan Province, Iran. Multistage cluster sampling was performed, and subjects were selected from urban and rural populations. Body weight, height and waist circumference (WC) were measured, and body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. Overweight and obesity were defined as 25 ≤ BMI < 30 and ≥30 respectively in men with WHR ≥ 0.9 or WC ≥ 102 cm, and women with WHR ≥ 0.8 or WC ≥ 88 cm were considered centrally obesite. Prevalence of obesity and overweight was 26.3% and 40.6% respectively. Prevalence of obesity was more among women (39.5%) than men (14.5%) with central obesity prevalence using WHR and WC cut-points of 72.2% and 26.6% respectively. There was a significant association between obesity and age, gender, residential area and educational level ( P < 0.01). In conclusion, prevalence of obesity and overweight among 30–70 years old, especially among women, was higher than expected. A comprehensive educational programme on obesity risk factors and obesity-related diseases is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Topical fat reduction from the thigh in women using aminophylline cream has been demonstrated, but the local fat reduction in other body areas or in men by lowering the local lipolytic threshold has not been demonstrated. This study is designed to test the hypothesis that aminophylline cream application to the waist will reduce waist circumference compared with a control. Research methods and procedures: Fifty men and women who are 21–65 years of age with a BMI greater than 27 kg/m2 and a waist to hip ratio ≥average were randomized in a 1 : 1 ratio to 0.5% aminophylline cream to the waist twice a day or no treatment to the waist. All subjects were instructed to follow a 1200 kcal balanced diet, participate in a walking program and return biweekly to encourage compliance. A theophylline level was drawn monthly, and the waist, BMI and waist to hip ratio were remeasured at 12 weeks. Results: At week 12, there was a significant reduction in BMI from baseline that was not different between the groups. The reduction in waist circumference was 11 ± 1.0 cm in the aminophylline cream group and 5.0 ± 0.6 cm in the control group (p < 0.001). The reduction in waist circumference was significant for both women and men, but the women lost significantly more waist girth. The waist to hip ratio, a measure of fat distribution, declined. Aminophylline levels were undetectable, and there were no adverse events. Discussion: Aminophylline cream offers a safe and effective method for cosmetic local fat reduction from the waist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rarely has one research area gained as much attention as that which is observed for female physical attractiveness. The past decade has resulted in numerous, exciting developments, particularly with respect to three proposed determinants of beauty: waist to hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), and curvaceousness. The goal of our paper is to provide a highly necessary review of contemporary research on the female attractiveness, including an in-depth examination of these factors. In our review, we first discuss WHR, an index of fat deposition, which is calculated by measuring the circumference of the waist compared to the circumference of the hips. WHR is controlled by the sex hormones, and increases as women age, and hence, may influence perceptions of attractiveness. This factor has been hotly contested, as some researchers have claimed that a WHR of approximately 0.7 is universally most attractive, whereas others have found inconsistent findings, or suggest the importance of other factors, such as BMI. Body mass index (BMI), calculated by dividing the body weight (in kilograms) by height (in meters) squared, serves as a measure of body fat. Although WHR and BMI are correlated, they lead to different conclusions, and the importance of BMI as a measure of female attractiveness is debated in the literature. Similar to WHR research, BMI and its role in attractiveness is not cross-culturally consistent and is affected by the availability of resources within a given environment. It may be the case that both WHR and BMI influence female attractiveness. However, there has been little investigation of this possibility. We have explored this issue in our research, which revealed that both influence attractiveness, but in addition, we noticed that curvaceousness was also a factor. Curvaceousness is the degree of “hourglass” shape as determined, for example, by the size of the bust, relative to the circumference of the hips and waist, and the size of the buttocks. However, curvaceousness does not appear to be temporally stable as a marker of attractiveness, and it is not consistent across modes of presentation. For example, models in male-oriented magazines are more curvaceous than models in female-oriented magazines. In summary, faced with these recent findings, it is difficult to ascertain agreement among the various factors, especially when researchers investigate each determinant in isolation. We conclude that, although researchers have made many important initial steps in examining female attractiveness, there remains much to be discovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES:To evaluate whether body mass index (BMI) and other anthropometric indices of visceral obesity vary by ethnic group in their distribution and their relationship to metabolic abnormalities.DESIGN:Cross-sectional study.PARTICIPANTS:Canadian men and women, aged 35-75 years, of South Asian (n=342), Chinese (n=317), European (n=326) and Aboriginal (n=301) descent were recruited using stratified random sampling.PRIMARY MEASURES:Anthropometric indices (BMI, waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC)), metabolic markers (fasting glucose, HbA1c, the ratio of total cholesterol/HDL) and clinical markers (systolic blood pressure) were assessed.RESULTS:In subjects with BMI<30?kg/m2, the mean marker levels in people with elevated WC (>88?cm in women,>102?cm in men) vs people with normal WC were 6.16 vs 5.34?mmol/l for fasting glucose, 6.05 vs 5.66%for HbA1c and 5.46 vs 4.68 for the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL (P<0.001 in each case). At nearly every given level of BMI, non-European ethnic groups displayed significantly higher marker levels than Europeans. For example, for a given BMI, age and sex, the difference between European and non-European groups in HbA1c levels was 0.53%(95%confidence interval (CI): 0.37-0.69) for South Asians, 0.37%(95%CI: 0.2-0.54) for Chinese and 0.95%(95%CI: 0.78-1.12) for Aboriginal People.CONCLUSIONS:Uniform cut-points for the classification of obesity using BMI, WHR or WC result in marked variation in the levels of glucose-metabolic abnormalities between ethnic groups. Existing action thresholds for these anthropometric indices do not apply to non-European ethnic groups and warrant revision.International Journal of Obesity (2005) 29, 656-667. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0802937 Published online 22 March 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the relationship between BMI, WHR andbiliary tract cancers (CBT). A population —based case —control study was conducted in urban Shanghai from June 1,1997 to May 31, 2001 involving interviews with 627 new cases of biliary tract cancers aged 35 to 74 years and 959 frequency —matched population controls by gender and age in five —year groups. All subjects were interviewed in person by trained interviewers using a structured questionnaire. An unconditional logistic regression was performed to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Obesity was associated with an increased risk of gallbladder cancer across adulthood at ages 20–29 and 30–39 in females. Compared with subjects in the lowest quartile of WHR, ORs for the highest quartile and P for trend for cancers of gallbladder and extrahepatic bile duct both reached significant levels among males and females. Our observations in urban Shanghai suggested that obesity in early adult life may contribute to the risk of gallbladder cancer, and increased WHR may substantially elevated risk of cancers of the gallbladder and extrahepatic bile duct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity and fat topography are risk factors for hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and diabetes mellitus. The relative contribution of obesity and body fat distribution indices to fasting and oral glucose-stimulated C peptide, insulin, and glucose concentrations were determined in 33 healthy premenopausal women. Obesity level was assessed by hydrostatic weighing and fat topography by computerized tomography-derived intraabdominal fat area, waist to hip ratio, subscapular skinfold thickness and the ratio of subscapular to triceps skinfold thickness. Both fat mass and regional fat distribution indices were associated closely with changes in insulin secretion. Fat topography indices were more closely correlated (p < 0.001) to insulin response than were fat mass indices (p < 0.01). The subscapular skinfold thickness had the greatest integrity for reflecting fat mass and fat distribution as they relate to the metabolic profile. The subscapular skinfold thickness may help identify individuals at risk for noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the level of practice of a healthy lifestyle, to assess the health education provided to patients with diabetes and to determine the prevalence of obesity among Basotho patients with diabetes. Design: A cross-sectional study enrolled 192 patients between November 2004 and July 2005. Descriptive statistics on demographic, socio-economic and lifestyle data were computed. Weight, waist circumference and hip circumference measurements were taken to compute body mass index (BMI), waist-to- hip ratio (WHpR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Setting and subjects: Patients with diabetes attending three hospitals in Lesotho were recruited in the study. Outcome measures: These included obesity indices, the quality and quantity of physical exercises, the quality and quantity of provided health education and the frequency with which the subjects sought medical help. Results: The participants' mean age was 54.73 years. The prevalence of smoking (14.6%) was higher than that of drinking (9.4%). Only 20.8% of the participants participated in recommended physical exercise. Most participants (95%) consulted their physicians on a regular basis. The Health Education Quantity Index was very low: 49.9%. The prevalence of obesity that was measured by BMI, WHpR and WHtR was 67.7%, 69.8% and 95.3% respectively. Conclusion: The practice of a healthy lifestyle was suboptimal, but help-seeking behaviour was satisfactory among participants. It is recommended that health education and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle are encouraged, that diabetes education is rendered by accredited educators or healthcare providers trained in communicating health messages, and that the fight against obesity is made a priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]