Increases in waist circumference independent of weight in Mongolia over the last decade: the Mongolian STEPS surveys

Abstract

BackgroundIn Mongolia, mean waist circumference (WC) has increased dramatically over the last decade, however, it is unknown whether these increases have been greater than corresponding increases in weight. In this study we aimed to assess whether recent increases in WC were greater than expected from changes in weight in Mongolian adults.MethodsWe used data on 13260 Mongolian adults, aged between 18 and 64 years, who participated in one of three (2005, 2009, 2013) nationally representative cross-sectional surveys. Linear regression was used to estimate changes in mean WC over time, adjusted for age, sex, height and weight. We also estimated the age-standardised prevalence for four obesity classification categories (not obese; obese by WC only; obese by body mass index (BMI) only; obese by both BMI and WC) at each survey year.ResultsThe estimated mean WC in 2009 and 2013, respectively, was 1.26 cm (95% CI: 0.35 to 2.17) and 1.88 cm (95% CI: 1.09 to 2.67) greater compared to 2005, after adjusting for age, sex, height and weight. Between 2005 and 2013, the age-standardised prevalence of those obese according to both BMI and WC increased from 8.0 to 13.6% for men and from 16.5 to 25.5% for women. During the same period, the percentage who were obese by WC only increased from 1.8 to 4.8% for men and from 16.5 to 26.8% for women. In contrast, the percentage who were obese by BMI only remained relatively stable (women: 2.4% in 2005 to 1.0% in 2013; men: 2.7% in 2005 to 4.0% in 2013).ConclusionOver the last decade, among Mongolian adults, there has been substantially greater increase in WC and the prevalence of abdominal obesity than would be expected from increases in weight. Women are at greater risk than men of being misclassified as not obese if obesity is defined using BMI only. Obesity should be monitored using WC in addition to BMI to ensure the prevalence of obesity is not underestimated.

The nutrition transition, food retail transformations, and policy responses to overnutrition in the East Asia region: A descriptive review

“…116 We observe a particularly high prevalence of overweight and Obesity in Mongolia, and this is also supported by the literature, which depicts both a high prevalence of, and a rapidly increasing trend in, overweight and obesity in this country. [117][118][119] We also show an increasing burden of type 2 diabetes and raised blood pressure, particularly in UMICs and LMICs. It is worth noting, however, that the discrepancy in the prevalence of such conditions between HICs, UMICs and LMICs may be due to a range of factors, including disparities in treatment options, 120,121 alongside consumption of UPFs and UPBs.…”

A descriptive study of ten-year longitudinal changes in weight and waist circumference in the multi-ethnic rural Northern Norway. The SAMINOR Study, 2003-2014

“…Thus, we confirm the results from other studies of an increase in waist circumference that exceeds what would be expected by increases in age and in weight or BMI. These studies were based on cross-sectional studies comparing secular trends in weight or BMI and waist circumference in the US (NHANES) [34][35][36], Mongolia [37] and Australia [38] as well as a longitudinal study conducted in the same region in Norway as the present study [10].…”

Changes in the configuration and patterns of physical activity among Mongolian adults, 2005–2013

“…The urban population increased from 57.1% in 2000 to 62.5% in 2005 and 70.4% in 2013, with its highest annual growth rate of 3.2% in 2012 12 , 13 ) . Concurrent with these socio-economic changes as well as changes to Mongolia’s unique nomadic lifestyle, an increased obesity risk and associated transitional and traditional dietary patterns has been reported 14 , 15 ) ; however, few studies have assessed the physical activity levels and patterns among Mongolian adults.…”