Comparison of BMI and anthropometric measures among South Asian Indians using standard and modified criteria.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the prevalence rates of obesity based on BMI/anthropometric measures, using WHO standard and ethnicity-specific criteria, the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definitions, among a migrant South Asian Indian population.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study conducted in October 2007.


METHODS
A total of 213 participants of South Asian descent over the age of 18 years. Measures included a questionnaire with basic demographic information and self-reported histories of diabetes, coronary artery disease and/or hypercholesterolaemia. Height, weight, waist and hip circumference and blood pressure measurements were obtained.


METHODS
Houston and surrounding suburbs.


RESULTS
WHO-modified (WHO-mod) BMI and IDF waist circumference (WC) criteria independently identified higher numbers of overweight/obese participants; however, when the WHO-mod BMI or IDF WC criteria were applied, nearly 75% of participants were categorized as overweight/obese--a proven risk factor for the future development of metabolic syndrome.


CONCLUSIONS
Obesity is likely under-diagnosed using the standard WHO and NCEP-ATPIII guidelines. Stressing the use of modified criteria more universally to classify obesity among South Asian Indians may be optimal to identify obesity and help appropriately risk stratify for intervention to prevent chronic diseases.
Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, University of Texas Physicians, 6700 W. Loop South #520, Bellaire, TX 77401, USA. Deepa.A.Vasudevan@uth.tmc.edu
Deepa
D
Vasudevan
Angela L
AL
Stotts
Sreedhar
S
Mandayam
L Anabor
LA
Omegie
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D001213:Asian / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000208:ethnology; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D055105:Waist Circumference; D014944:World Health Organization; D055815:Young Adult