One reason why waist-to-height ratio is usually better related to chronic disease risk and outcome than body mass index

Abstract Background: With increasing urbanisation rates, assessments must be made on the impact of the built environment on the health of populations. As the bulk of healthcare expenditure in developed countries is borne by the elderly through chronic disease management and treatment costs, intervening using the built environment can have lasting population-wide effects. Methods: Using two cohort studies for training and validation, we quantified each individual’s local context based on their residential address and derived geographical exposures adapted from the International Physical Activity and the Environment Network guidelines. Bayesian inference was used to develop a regression model that examines the impacts of the geographical exposures and predicts mean body mass index and prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, acute myocardial infarction and stroke by communities. Results: The distance to the nearest retail outlet was found to be negatively associated with body mass index. Our prediction model shows good accuracy (AUC > 0.75) for predicting type 2 diabetes mellitus, acute myocardial infarction and stroke. National-level maps were generated that predict the health of communities by mean body mass index and overall chronic disease risk. Conclusions: The predictive model has the ability to predict on a macro scale the overall health of a community. Understanding the geospatial distribution of chronic disease risk allows for evidence-based policymaking with urban–specific interventions that improve overall population health.

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Profiles of Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure Among College Students Categorized by Waist-to-Height Ratio Cut-Offs in Shandong, China

SSRN Electronic Journal ◽

10.2139/ssrn.3210890 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Yingxiu Zhang ◽

Jin-shan Zhao ◽

Zun-hua Chu

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Body Mass ◽

Height Ratio ◽

Waist To Height Ratio

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The Influence of Anthropometric Indices and Intermediary Determinants of Hypertension in Bangladesh

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18115646 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 5646

Author(s):

Sally Sonia Simmons ◽

John Elvis Hagan ◽

Thomas Schack

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Body Mass ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Height Ratio ◽

Anthropometric Parameters ◽

Anthropometric Indices ◽

Waist To Hip Ratio ◽

Waist To Height Ratio

Hypertension is a major public health burden in Bangladesh. However, studies considering the underlying multifaceted risk factors of this health condition are sparse. The present study concurrently examines anthropometric parameters and intermediary factors influencing hypertension risk in Bangladesh. Using the 2018 World Health Organisation (WHO) STEPwise approach to non-communicable disease risk factor surveillance (STEPS) study conducted in Bangladesh and involving 8019 nationally representative adult respondents, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between anthropometrics, other intermediary factors and hypertension. The regression results were presented using the odds ratio (OR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The risk of hypertension was higher among females and males who were 40 years and older. However, among females, those who were age 60 years and older were more than twice and thrice more likely to be hypertensive compared to those in the younger age groups (18–39, 40–59). Females who were obese (body mass index [BMI], waist to hip ratio [WHR], waist to height ratio [WHtR]) or had high waist circumference [WC] were twice as likely to be hypertensive. Males and females who were physically active, consuming more fruits and vegetables daily and educated had lower odds of developing hypertension. Key findings suggest that the association between anthropometric indices (body mass index [BMI], waist to hip ratio [WHR], waist to height ratio [WHtR]), waist circumference [WC]), other intermediary determinants (e.g., education, physical activity) and hypertension exist across gender and with increasing age among adults in Bangladesh. Developing appropriate public health interventions (e.g., regular assessment of anthropometric parameters) for early identification of the risk and pattern of hypertension through appropriate screening and diagnosis is required to meet the specific health needs of the adult Bangladesh population.

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