Standard definitions of overweight and central adiposity for determining diabetes risk in Japanese Americans
2001
McNeely, M.J. | Boyko, E.J. | Shofer, J.B. | Newell-Morris, L. | Leonetti, D.L. | Fujimoto, W.Y.
Background: Despite having lower average body mass indexes (BMIs) than do whites, Asians are at high risk of type 2 diabetes, possibly because of their greater central adiposity. The criteria for identifying individuals at risk of obesity-related conditions are usually not population specific. Objective: Our goal was to determine whether the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) overweight and obesity guidelines are useful for identifying diabetes risk in Japanese Americans. Design: This was a prospective, cohort study of 466 nondiabetic Japanese Americans [age: 52.2 +/- 0.6 y; BMI (in kg/m2): 24.1 +/- 0.2; x +/- SEM]. Diabetes status at a 5-y follow-up visit was assessed with an oral-glucose-tolerance test. Results: Among 240 subjects aged less than or equal to 55 y, incident diabetes was strongly associated with overweight (BMI greater than or equal to 25) at baseline [relative risk (RR): 22.4; 95% CI: 2.7, 183; adjusted for age, sex, smoking, and family history] and weight gain of > 10 kg since the age of 20 y (adjusted RR: 4.5; 95% CI: 1.4, 14.5). NHLBI definitions of central obesity (waist circumference greater than or equal to 88 cm for women and greater than or equal to 102 cm for men) were unsuitable for this population because only 15 of 240 subjects met these criteria. A waist circumference greater than or equal to the third tertile was associated with diabetes (adjusted RR: 5.4; 95% CI: 1.7, 17.0). Among 226 subjects aged > 55 y, incident diabetes was not associated with BMI, weight gain, or waist circumference. Conclusions: NHLBI definitions are useful for identifying overweight Japanese Americans aged < 55 y who are at high risk of diabetes. Although central adiposity is an important risk factor. the guidelines for waist circumference are insensitive predictors of diabetes risk in this population.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by National Agricultural Library