Prevalência e fatores associados à obesidade abdominal em indivíduos na faixa etária de 25 a 59 anos do Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

Is phase angle associated with visceral adiposity and cardiometabolic risk in cardiology outpatients?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Phase angle (PhA) serves as a prognostic marker in various clinical scenarios, reflecting oxidative stress and cellular damage. Despite its clinical relevance, its connection with adiposity and cardiovascular risk markers remains underexplored. Hence, our study sought to investigate the relationship between PhA and metabolic, adiposity, and cardiovascular risk parameters among outpatients with cardiology diagnosis.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Adults aged between 26 and 59 years, under the care of a cardiology unit, were included. Ultrasound imaging was used to assess visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Single-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) [50 kHz] was employed to calculate PhA, from BIA's resistance and reactance measurements. Muscle strength, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio were also evaluated. Framingham's risk score was calculated to estimate the cardiovascular risk events. Metabolic blood samples' results were obtained from medical records.

RESULTS

One hundred and five participants were included in our study. Low PhA was observed in 29.5% of our sample. Higher PhA values were independently and inversely associated with both higher VAT and cardiovascular risk (adjusted OR: 0.79 [95% CI 0.69;0.91], OR: 0.74 [95% CI 0.60;0.89], respectively). Lower PhA values (≤5.59) were goodly associated with high VAT (AUC: 0.82 p < 0.001). Lower PhA values (≤5.06) were fairly associated with higher cardiovascular risk (AUC: 0.70 p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Our study provides evidence that PhA is independently and inversely associated with elevated VAT and cardiovascular risk. These findings underscore the potential of PhA as a valuable complementary marker in assessing cardiometabolic health.

Comparison between anthropometric measurements and indices to evaluate general and abdominal obesity, Colombia ENSIN 2015

Introduction. Excess weight represents a problem in the adult population, has increased in recent years and is associated with noncommunicable diseases. Objectives. To make comparisons between anthropometric measurements and indices and to evaluate their relationship with individual and sociodemographic variables to generate information on the use of the main measurements in the evaluation of general and abdominal obesity as indicators of cardiovascular risk. Materials and methods. Secondary analysis of the ENSIN survey for Colombia with data collected between 2015 and 2016, the 2005 Population and Housing Census of the Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE) was used as a sampling frame. The sample was 44,202 households with 151,343 people aged 0 to 64 years; 70,315 records of adult population were selected for this analysis. Proportions, confidence intervals, measures of central tendency and dispersion were calculated. Results. The means of body mass index (BMI) and waist-height index were higher than the cutoff point in both sexes, while the means of waist circumference were below the cutoff point for men and higher for women (p<0.05). The prevalence of obesity by BMI was 17.5%, while abdominal obesity by waist circumference and waist-height index of 50.2% and 62.6% respectively. Conclusions. Abdominal obesity regardless of the indicator used, is about 3 times higher than general obesity by BMI and waist-height index identifies more people, especially men, with abdominal obesity compared to waist circumference.

Evaluation of ultrasonographic approaches aimed at determining distinct abdominal adipose tissue depots

Objective

To analyze different anatomical sites in the abdominal region, in order to determine the positional parameter that identifies a higher level of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and confers a greater cardiometabolic risk.

Materials and methods

This is a methodological study in which VAT was evaluated by ultrasonography (USG) in three anatomical sites in the abdomen, while the abdominal circumference (AC) was measured using seven different protocols. Additionally, the glycemic and lipid profile, C-reactive protein, and the presence of systemic arterial hypertension were evaluated.

Results

One hundred and six individuals with an average age of 42 (36.8-46.2) years were included. The evaluation of the calibration of the ultrasound procedure for the analysis of VAT by intra- and inter-evaluators showed high reproducibility. The pattern of abdominal fat distribution differed between sexes, with higher mean VAT in males (p < 0.05) and higher mean SAT (subcutaneous adipose tissue) in females (p < 0.005). In the abdominal scan applied to women, higher levels of VAT and lower levels of SAT were observed in the narrower waist region, between the iliac crest and the last rib (p < 0.001). In males, the profile of adipose disposition along the abdomen was uniform (p > 0.05). Correlations between VAT measured by USG and cardiometabolic parameters were relatively stronger in the upper abdomen (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Women accumulate more VAT in the narrower waist region, while men accumulate VAT uniformly across the abdomen. There was relative superiority in predicting cardiometabolic risk in the upper abdomen for both sexes.

The Body Adiposity Index is not applicable to the Brazilian adult population

Background

Obesity is a serious disease that burdens public health systems around the world. It is a risk factor for the development of several non-communicable chronic diseases that are related to the amount and distribution of body fat. Body composition assessment using simple and low-cost techniques can help in the early detection of excess fat, allowing for the prevention and treatment of both obesity and associated diseases. Thus, identifying and proposing valid anthropometric indices for this purpose can be a great ally of health programs.

Objective

To verify the validity of the Body Adiposity Index (BAI) in relation to Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) for estimating body fat percentage in Brazilian adults, as well as to propose a new mathematical model to estimate the fat-free mass of this population.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, 424 subjects (of which 220 were women), aged between 20 and 59 years, were evaluated by BAI and DXA, then randomly divided into two groups stratified by sex: the development group (n = 283) and the cross-validation group (n = 141). Statistical analyses to test the validity of BAI as a predictor of fat mass, in addition to proposing a new mathematical model for estimating fat-free mass, using DXA as a reference method. The analysis included paired t-test, stepwise multiple regression, coefficient of concordance correlation, and Bland-Altman plots.

Results

The BAI validity analysis showed a low correlation coefficient of agreement [CCC = 0.626; ρ (precision) = 0.795; C_b(accuracy) = 0.787]; in addition, the mean difference in the Bland-Altman plot was different from zero in the cross-validation group (p < 0.01) and limits of agreement (LOA) ranged between−8.0 and 14.4 kg, indicating a poor agreement between the BAI and the reference method. The new mathematical model for estimating FFM showed a high correlation coefficient of agreement (CCC = 0.952; ρ = 0.953; C_b = 0.999), in addition to acceptable LOA in the Bland-Altman plot (-6.7 and 6.7).

Conclusion

In the studied sample, the BAI showed low validity for estimating body fat, while the new proposed model was found to be a good option to assess the body composition of Brazilian adults.

Prevalence and determinants of obesity and abdominal obesity among rural workers in Southeastern Brazil

The objectives of this study were to assess the nutritional status of rural workers from a municipality in Southeastern Brazil and estimate the association of sociodemographic, labor, lifestyle, and dietary pattern factors with obesity and abdominal obesity of men and women of this rural area. This is a cross-sectional, epidemiological study of 740 farmers (51.5%, n = 381 males; 48.5%, n = 359 females). The sociodemographic, labor, lifestyle and dietary patterns determinants were assessed. Food intake data were obtained by applying three 24-hour recalls and dietary patterns were determined by Principal Component Analysis with Varimax orthogonal rotation. Poisson regression with robust variance stratified by sex was applied. The general prevalence of overweight status was 31.5% (95% CI 28.2-34.8%), 19.7% of obesity (95% CI 16.8-22.6%) and 31.5% of abdominal obesity (95% CI 28.2-34.8%), with higher rates in women (P < 0.001). Men of higher socioeconomic class had a 2.3 times higher prevalence of obesity (95% CI 1.08-4.90). In addition, the shorter travel time to purchase food increased the prevalence of abdominal obesity in males. For women, the older the age group, the greater the general and central obesity. A lower adherence to traditional dietary patterns (approximately PR [prevalence ratio] 1.6 for general obesity and PR 1.3 for abdominal obesity) and a greater number of places to buy food were associated with higher rates of obesity in women. Finally, women farmers with a higher workload had a 20% lower prevalence of central obesity (PR 0.80; 95% CI 0.65-0.97). Such findings demonstrate that obesity must be an issue in the health care of remote and rural populations. There is a need to promote healthier environments that respect traditional food culture through multiple approaches that consider the heterogeneity of rural areas and the differences between sexes.

Consumo de bebidas alcoólicas e obesidade abdominal: resultados da linha de base do ELSA-Brasil

Resumo Objetivou-se analisar a associação entre consumo de bebidas alcoólicas e adiposidade abdominal em adultos. Estudo transversal realizado com dados da linha de base do ELSA-Brasil (2008-2010). A amostra foi constituída por 15.065 servidores públicos de seis instituições de ensino e pesquisa (35 a 74 anos, ambos os sexos). Para identificar adiposidade central por meio das medidas de circunferência da cintura (CC) e relação cintura/quadril (RCQ), utilizou-se os pontos de corte preconizados pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Para as análises estatísticas foi utilizado o teste qui-quadrado e modelos de regressão de Poisson ajustados por variáveis potencialmente confundidoras. Cerca de 40% da amostra apresentava CC e RCQ elevadas. A probabilidade de apresentar CC elevada foi 5% e 3% maior no grupo mais exposto de consumo de cerveja em homens e mulheres quando comparado ao grupo de referência [RP = 1,05 (IC 95% 1,02-1,08) e RP = 1,03 (IC 95% 1,00-1,07)]. Também foi encontrada maior probabilidade de apresentar RCQ elevada entre os maiores consumidores de cerveja [RP = 1,03 (IC 95% 1,00-1,07) em homens e RP=1,10 (IC 95% 1,04-1,15) em mulheres]. Maior número de doses/semana de bebida alcoólica aumentou a probabilidade de ocorrência de CC e RCQ elevadas, sendo mais importante a contribuição da cerveja.

Excess weight among women in a low-income urban community: socioeconomic, demographic and reproductive factors

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of excess weight and associated factors in women of reproductive age living in a low-income community. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 663 women 15 to 49 years of age residing in the neighborhood of Coelhos in the city of Recife, Brazil. Body mass index (BMI)-for-age was used to classify the nutritional status of the adolescents (15 to 19 years of age), adopting Z-score of ≥+1 for the definition of overweight. For the adults, BMI≥25.0 kg/m² was considered indicative of overweight. Socioeconomic, demographic and reproductive variables were analyzed as possible factors associated with overweight. The prevalence of excess weight was found in two thirds of the sample. The results of the Poisson multiple regression analysis showed a significantly higher prevalence of excess weight with the advance in age, among those with a younger menarche age, those who had three or more pregnancies, those living with their partner and those self-declared black or white. Multiparity was the only factor associated with excess weight that could be modified, which underscores the importance of prenatal and family planning services to its prevention and control.

Obesity is associated with lack of access to dental care and physical activity among older adults: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the prevalence of obesity and associated factors among older adults. METHODS: This was a household-based cross-sectional study involving 282 individuals aged ≥ 60 years recruited in the city of Veranópolis, Brazil, using random probabilistic sampling. Participants underwent a clinical oral examination and completed a structured questionnaire. Obesity was determined based on body mass index (BMI). Individuals were divided into two groups based on the presence (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) or absence of obesity (BMI < 30 kg/m2). Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity was 34% (n = 96). Each 1-year increase in age resulted in a 3.09% decrease in the likelihood of being classified as having obesity (prevalence ratio [PR] = 0.969; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.949 – 0.989). Older adults that reported walking < 5 or ≥ 5 times per week were 39.65 and 37.20% less likely to be classified as obese. The PRs of obesity in former and non-smokers were 4.40 and 5 times higher, respectively, than in current smokers (p < 0.05). Older adults with no access to dental care were 51.72% (p = 0.013) more likely to present with obesity. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of obesity among older adults. Obesity was associated with lower age, smoking status, no access to dental care, and a lack of physical activity.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and associated factors in middle-aged women: a cross-sectional study in Northeast Brazil

We determined the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and associated factors in 419 women (aged 40 to 65 years) in Northeast Brazil in a cross-sectional study conducted from April to November 2013. We defined MetS using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria. Socio-demographic variables, reproductive factors, lifestyle factors, anthropometrics, body composition, quality of life, and physical performance were assessed for their associations. We constructed multivariate Poisson regression models to estimate prevalence rate ratios (PRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We identified 275 (65.6%) cases of MetS. The three most prevalent indicators were obesity (73.5%), reduced high-density lipoprotein level (63.0%), and elevated blood pressure (60.9%). In the final adjusted model, black race (PR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07-1.57), lower grip strength/body mass index (PR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.15-1.50), and low estradiol levels (PR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.00-1.35) were associated with MetS. MetS is a long-term threat to the health of middle-aged women and a potential public health burden. These results may help in developing health promotion strategies to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with MetS in this vulnerable population.

Prevalence of obesity in rural and urban areas in Brazil: National Health Survey, 2013

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of the domiciliary situation in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity through the National Health Survey of 2013.

METHODOLOGY

General obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) and abdominal obesity (waist circumference ≥ 102 cm in men and ≥ 88 cm in women) in rural and urban areas were described according to sex and macroregion. Crude and adjusted Poisson regression models were used to test the association between obesity and household situation, with the significance level of 5%.

RESULTS

The study included 59,226 individuals. Out of these, 20.7% presented general obesity and 38% abdominal obesity (higher in women: 24.3 and 52%, respectively). The highest prevalences of general obesity were observed in southern urban areas, for both sexes (20.8% in men and 26.5% in women). In rural areas, the highest prevalences were observed for the central-west region (17.2%) in men and in the south region (27.4%) in women. In males, after adjusting for demographic variables, living in rural areas was associated with lower prevalences of general obesity in the North (prevalence ratios - PR = 0.60; confidence interval of 95% - 95%CI 0.40 - 0.89) and Northeast (PR = 0.47, 95%CI 0,38 - 0.59), and for abdominal obesity in all regions. For women in the Midwest, the rural household situation was associated with lower prevalences of obesity. (PR = 1.11, 95%CI 1.01 - 1.23).

CONCLUSIONS

The results evidenced the role of the domiciliary situation among outcomes at the national level, with lower prevalence of general and abdominal obesity in men living in rural areas. However, higher prevalences were found among women, especially for abdominal obesity.

Factors associated with obesity in urban collective transportation workers of the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the demographic, behavioral and occupational factors associated with obesity among urban collective transportation workers of the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil.

METHOD

This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 1,448 drivers and collectors in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte. Anthropometric, demographic, behavioral data, as well as participants' link to the company and bus conditions were gathered in 2012 through a questionnaire applied by an interviewer. To calculate obesity, the body mass index cut off point was ≥ 30 kg/m2. Prevalence ratios (PR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were adjusted by Poisson's multivariate regression.

RESULTS

The prevalence of obesity among urban collective transportation workers was 16.1%. Female sex (PR = 1.84; 95%CI 1.37 - 2.49), aging 30 to 39 years old (PR = 1.66; 95%CI 1.17 - 2.37) and 40 to 49 years old (PR = 1.59; 95%CI 1.04 - 2.42), being in the same job role from 5.01 to 10 years (PR = 1.52; 95%CI 1.04 - 2,42) and from 20.01 to 47 years (PR = 1.90; 95%CI 1.21 - 3.00), and physical inactivity (PR = 1.32; 95%CI 1.01 - 1.73) remained independently associated with obesity after multivariate adjustment data.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the need to consider actions that encourage employees to participate in healthy activities when discussing health promotion for public transport workers, as well as actions to improve the organization and management of work, so it becomes a health and well-being feature for this population.

Fatores associados e índice de adiposidade corporal (IAC) em adultos: estudo de base populacional

Resumo Objetivou-se analisar os fatores associados ao índice de adiposidade corporal. Um estudo transversal de base populacional foi conduzido com 964 adultos, de 20 e 59 anos, em Viçosa, MG, Brasil. Aplicou-se questionários domiciliares e medidas antropométricas para se obter os dados. A análise múltipla foi realizada por meio de regressão linear, ajustada pelo efeito do desenho amostral. A prevalência de excesso de adiposidade corporal foi 36,89 (IC 30,81–43,43), sendo mais elevada nos homens (48,18% - IC 39,09–57,34). Associou-se positivamente com o índice de adiposidade corporal o sexo feminino (p = 0,002), idade em anos (p < 0,001), aqueles que viveram com companheiro (p = 0,022) e com insatisfação com a imagem corporal (p < 0,001). A autoavaliação da saúde positiva (p = 0,048) esteve associada negativamente com o índice de adiposidade corporal. A prevalência de excesso de adiposidade corporal foi elevada, sendo o sexo, a faixa etária, o estado civil, a autoavaliação da saúde e a insatisfação com a imagem corporal fatores determinantes para o aumento da adiposidade corporal, nesta população, indicando um forte risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis decorrentes do excesso de adiposidade.

Prevalence, temporal trend and associated factors with excess body weight in mothers of children under five years

ABSTRACT Objective This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, temporal trends and associated factors with excess weight in mothers of children under five years of age. Methods This is a time-series study using data from two household surveys conducted in 2005 and 2015. A total of 1,436 mothers were evaluated in 2005, and 690 were evaluated in 2015. The dependent variables were excess body weight (Body Mass Index [BMI] ≥25.0kg/m2), high percentage of Body Fat (%BF ≥33%) and abdominal obesity (waist circumference >80cm). The independent variables were the socioeconomic and demographic factors. The changes that occurred between the two surveys were expressed in percentages, and the measure of association was the Prevalence Ratio, calculated by Poisson regression, in both the crude and multivariate analyses. Results There were increases of 33.2%, 59.2% and 31.0%, respectively, for the prevalence of excess weight (PR=1.33, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]:1.21-1.46), abdominal obesity (PR=1.59, 95% CI:1.43-1.77) and high %BF (PR=1.31, 95% CI:1.07-1.60). The factors independently associated with excess weight and abdominal obesity were the highest age group (>30 years), menarche ≤12 years and higher parity (>2 children). The same was observed for high %BF, except for the loss of significance in the adjusted analysis for the variable menarche ≤12 years. Conclusion The prevalence of high body adiposity is a problem of relevant importance in the studied population and has presented an upward trend in the last 10 years. Women over 30 years and with more than two children should be given priority in prevention and control.

Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and other cardiovascular risk factors in university students

A cross-sectional population-based study using questionnaire and anthropometric data was conducted on 968 university students of São Luís, Brazil, from which 590 showed up for blood collection. In the statistical analysis the Student t-test, Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests were used. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome by the Joint Interim Statement (JIS) criteria was 20.5%, almost three times more prevalent in men (32.2%) than in women (13.5%) (P < 0.001). The prevalence of insulin resistance was 7.3% and the prevalence of low HDL-cholesterol was high (61.2%), both with no statistically significant differences by sex. Men showed a higher percentage of smoking, overweight, high blood pressure, high blood glucose and increased fasting hypertriglyceridemia. Women were more sedentary. University students of private institutions had higher prevalences of sedentary lifestyle, obesity, abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides and metabolic syndrome than students from public institutions. High prevalences of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and other cardiovascular risk factors were found in this young population. This suggests that the burden of these diseases in the future will be increased.

The association between cardiovascular risk factors and anthropometric obesity indicators in university students in São Luís in the State of Maranhão, Brazil

The article aims to evaluate the relation between cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and anthropometric indicators in a sample of university students from São Luís-MA, Brazil. It is a cross-sectional study conducted with 968 university students, with median age of 22. Glycemia, triglycerides, HDL-c, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, metabolic syndrome (Joint Interim Statement criteria) and insulin resistance (IR), were associated and correlated with anthropometric indicators such as BMI, WC, WHR and WHtR. Associations were found between TGL, SH, SM and higher values of all anthropometric variables. The RI was associated with higher BMI values and WHtR in men and women. The low HDL-c was associated with higher values of all anthropometric variables in women. Consumption of alcohol was associated with higher values of BMI and WC in women and WHR in men and WHtR. Smoking was associated with higher values of WHtR in both sexes. Physical inactivity was associated with higher values of WHR in men only. The highest correlations were established for women between TGL and BMI CC, WHR and WHtR. The indicators most associated with CVRF were BMI, WC and WHtR in females and WHR and WHtR in men.

[Physical activity in staff workers at Centers for Psychosocial Care in southern Brazil: temporal trends]

The aim of the study was to analyze temporal trends of physical activity among staff workers in Centers for Psychosocial Care and associated factors in southern Brazil from 2006 to 2011. This cross-sectional study was part of the Evaluation of Centers for Psychosocial Care in Southern Brazil/CAPSUL. Physical and mental health variables were collected using the Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20), and physical activity was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Participation included 435 staff workers in 2006 and 546 in 2011. Total prevalence rates were: physical activity (≥ 150 minutes/week) 23.2% in 2006 and 17.6% in 2011 and minor psychiatric disorders 11% and 8.4%. There was no statistically significant difference in physical activity between men and women. In 2006, individuals with less schooling (p = 0.03) and lower income (p = 0.01) showed higher levels of physical activity. In 2011, staff workers in larger cities showed higher levels of physical activity (p = 0.02). Interventions are needed to promote physical activity in this population, especially among staff workers at Centers for Psychosocial Care in smaller municipalities.

Prevalência de hipertensão arterial sistêmica e fatores associados em homens e mulheres residentes em municípios da Amazônia Legal

RESUMO: Introdução: A hipertensão arterial sistêmica é um importante problema de saúde pública devido à sua alta prevalência, baixas taxas de controle e causa de morbidade e mortalidade cardiovascular. Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência de hipertensão arterial sistêmica e fatores associados em homens e mulheres residentes em municípios da Amazônia Legal. Métodos: No estudo transversal de base populacional conduzido com 1.296 adultos de ambos os sexos foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, estilo de vida, antropométricos e pressão arterial, sendo considerados hipertensos os que apresentaram pressão arterial ≥ 140/90 mmHg e/ou os que referiram uso de drogas anti-hipertensivas. As análises estatísticas foram feitas no módulo survey do programa Stata versão 11.0. Resultados: A prevalência da hipertensão arterial sistêmica foi de 22,3%. Após ajustes, as variáveis que se associaram à hipertensão nos homens foram a idade de 30 a 39 anos (RP ajustada = 2,69; IC95% 1,49 - 4,86), 40 a 49 anos (RP ajustada = 3,28; IC95% 1,82 - 5,93) e 50 a 59 anos (RP ajustada = 4,80; IC95% 2,63 - 8,76), sobrepeso (RP ajustada = 1,97; IC95% 1,39 - 2,78), obesidade (RP ajustada = 3,32; IC95% 2,32 - 4,75) e ser natural da região Norte ou Nordeste (RP ajustada = 0,31; IC95% 0,18 - 0,59). Entre as mulheres, associaram à hipertensão a idade de 40 a 49 anos (RP ajustada = 3,41; IC95% 1,91 - 6,07) e 50 a 59 anos (RP ajustada = 7,29; IC95% 4,07 - 13,07); o consumo de vinho (RP ajustada = 0,31; IC95% 0,10 - 0,97) e obesidade (RP ajustada = 2,39; IC95% 1,65 - 3,45). Conclusão: A hipertensão arterial associou-se independentemente com a idade, estado nutricional e naturalidade nos homens. E nas mulheres com a idade, estado nutricional e tipo de bebida alcoólica.

Association between waist-to-height ratio, isolated and combined morbidities and C-reactive protein in the elderly: a clinical-epidemiological study

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the elderly (considering their most prevalent morbidities and lifestyles), to investigate the relationship between this anthropometric index and the presence of the most prevalent morbidities (isolated or combined), and to identify which morbidities (analyzed individually) would have greater associations with WHtR. This cross-sectional population-based epidemiological study of a stratified sampling comprised 170 elderly individuals between 60 and 90 years of age (both genders). Home visits were used to administer questionnaires and to perform anthropometric measurements and blood collection. The mean patient age was younger than 70 years, with women comprising the majority (69.41%) and with 90% of the patients presenting with inadequate WHtR. Hypertension was the most prevalent morbidity in this cohort (58.52%), and when analyzed in combination, hypertension plus obesity were the most frequently diagnosed morbidities (17.65%). Obesity, which was among the most prevalent comorbidities, was the only comorbidity combined with WHtR (p = 0.0019). Individuals with no morbidities had lower mean WHtR values compared with individuals with at least one morbidity (p = 0.0075). In the multiple linear regression model, it was identified that when individuals had one or more of the most prevalent comorbidities, the mean WHtR increased by 0.0415 (p = 0.0065). A correlation between WHtR and CRP (p = 0.0379) was also verified. Based on the relationships observed between WHtR (isolated or in combination, data unpublished) and CRP among the elderly, WHtR may represent a screening tool because it is a simple and effective anthropometric index.