Correlation of body mass index, waist circumference and waist-hip ratio to fasting blood sugar levels in non-diabetics: an observational study

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a serious health problem across the world. Obesity is an independent risk factor for diabetes and cardiac problems. Waist-hip ratio and waist circumference are better predictors of obesity and associated medical risks. The aims and objectives of study are to evaluate overweight and obesity in non-diabetics and assess correlation of BMI, WC and WHR with fasting blood sugar (FBS). Methods: A prospective study was carried out at D.Y. Patil Hospital Nerul, Navi Mumbai between November 2014-December 2014. Subjects attending the medical outpatient department (OPD) were invited to participate in this study. 200 subjects were screened, of whom 100 subjects having fasting sugar levels less than 110 mg/dL were enrolled. The subjects were matched with respect to age, BMI, waist circumference and Hip circumference and W: H ratio. BMI, WC and W:H ratio was correlated with FBS using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Statistical significance was considered at P value<0.05. Results: It indicated 19.6% males (10/51) and 14.28% females (7/49) were overweight and 47.05% males (24/51) and 42.85% females (21/49) were obese according to BMI. 13.72% males (7/51) and 20.40% females (10/49) were overweight and 66.66% males (34/51) and 38.77% females (19/49) were obese according to WC. 5.88% males (3/51) and 4.08% females (2/49) were overweight and 94.11% males (48/51) and 91.83% females (45/49) were obese according to WHR. Conclusions: It can be concluded from this study that there is a positive correlation between BMI, Waist circumference, Waist: Hip Ratio and are important indicators of obesity to predict obesity.