Association between weight-adjusted-waist index and risk of cardiovascular diseases in United States adults: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background As a new obesity-related index, the weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) appears to be a good predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in East Asian populations. This study aimed to validate the association between WWI and CVD in United States (US) adults and also evaluate its relationships with the prevalence of specific CVDs. Methods The data were obtained from the 2009–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. WWI was calculated as waist circumference divided by the square root of weight, and CVD was ascertained based on self-reported physician diagnoses. Multivariable logistic regression models and subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the association between WWI and CVD. Results A total of 21,040 participants were included. There was a positive linear relationship between WWI and the odds of CVD (P = 0.310). After adjusting for all covariates, each unit of increased WWI was associated with 48% increased risk of CVD (odds ratio [OR]: 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25–1.74). Moreover, compared with the lowest quintile (< 10.3 cm/√kg), the multivariable-adjusted OR was 3.18 (95% CI: 1.80–5.59) in the highest quintile (≥ 11.8 cm/√kg). Besides, positive associations were also found between WWI and increased prevalence of congestive heart failure (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.11–1.96), coronary heart disease (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.01–1.60), angina (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.06–1.96), heart attack (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.29–2.12), and stroke (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.02–1.70). Subgroup analyses showed that stronger associations between WWI and CVD were detected in participants younger than 50 years of age (P < 0.001). Conclusions High levels of WWI were significantly associated with an increased risk of CVD in US adults, particularly in people under 50 years of age. These findings indicate that WWI may be an intervention indicator to reduce the risk of CVD in the general adult population.

Association between the weight-adjusted waist index and the odds of type 2 diabetes mellitus in United States adults: a cross-sectional study

“…In addition to being associated with T2DM, WWI is significantly associated with a variety of cardiovascular diseases and poor prognosis. A prospective cohort study from China included 10,338 nonhypertensive subjects with a mean follow-up of 6 years and found that high WWI was significantly linked to an increased risk of hypertension (24).In a cross-sectional study that included 21,040 subjects, Fang H et al found that high levels of WWI were significantly associated with an elevated risk of development of CVD, especially prominent in those under 50 years of age, suggesting that WWI may be an interventional indicator for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in the general adult population (25). In a prospective cohort study (n=26822) with a mean follow-up of 69 months, elevated levels of WWI were found to be independently correlated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality (26).…”

Association between weight-adjusted-waist index and periodontitis risk: A cross-sectional study

“…This research observed a possible link between WWI and a higher risk of moderate/severe periodontitis, with variations in different age groups. The increase in WWI may reflect the dysfunction of adipose tissue, leading to the synthesis and secretion of various pro-inflammatory cytokines [ 27 ]. Obesity may contribute to periodontitis through different pathological mechanisms, including changes in adipokine release levels, induction of inflammatory reactions, immune dysregulation, and dysbiosis of oral microbiota.…”

Association between weight-adjusted-waist index and cognitive decline in US elderly participants

“…This allows for a more precise and comprehensive assessment of central obesity, thereby providing a clearer depiction of the relationship between obesity and cognitive function. Recent studies have demonstrated effectiveness of WWI in differentiating muscle mass from fat mass, leading to its broader application in various medical domains including metabolic diseases, kidney diseases, and cardiovascular diseases, among others ( 31 – 33 ). Furthermore, WWI has shown a greater correlation and predictive power in some diseases compared to traditional obesity indices ( 34 , 35 ).…”