Comparison of body mass index versus waist circumference measurements in hypercholesterolemia sufferers : a comparative study.

Abstract

i. Aim The study attempted to identify whether the two anthropometric measurements; waist circumference and body mass index could predict hypercholesterolemia independently, and which tool was the most reliable in this prediction. Concurrently the study attempted to bring out similarities and discrepancies in health risk factors in patients who suffer from hypercholesterolemia and those that do not.

ii. Method and Subjects In this comparative study 60 adults aged between 20 to 60 years were chosen. Thirty adult who had normal levels of total cholesterol (< 5mmol) were chosen randomly. These subject fit particular selection criteria such as; never suffered from hypercholesterolemia and suffered from no spinal and abdominal deformities. The experimental subjects suffered from high levels of total cholesterol; levels > 5mmol especially high LDL cholesterol. These subjects were referred from a Lipid consultant. All the subjects underwent the same assessments, which included standardized methods (as used by Ingrid Logfren eta! (2004)) of waist circumference and body mass index as well as personal information which investigated associated health risks with hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular disease.

iii. Results and Discussion The relationship between waist circumference and body mass index and waist circumference (p=0.620) and physical activity, body mass index and physical activity

(p=0.267), has resulted in a non-significant relationship, probably because of the small sample size used when compared to the whole population of Malta. Results have also been insignificant in the incidence of family history of hypercholesterolemia and hypercholesterolemia, job type (p=0.067) and hypercholesterolemia as well as those following a diet plan and suffering from hypercholesterolemia. On the other hand, it was observed that people suffering from hypercholesterolemia (group A) suffered considerably more from hypertension than non-sufferers (group B) (p=O.OO1).It was observed that most of the subjects in this sample population are under medical care (p=O.OOO). These relationships are significant. Most importantly the likelihood ratio of W.C (p=0.004) and hypercholesterolemia showed that W.C is a good predictor of hypercholesterolemia. The same was observed for BMI (p=0.949), but the likelihood ratio was stronger for the W.C

iv. Conclusion and recommendations The study confirmed that body mass index and waist circumference can independently predict hypercholesterolemia. W.C has been shown to be a stronger predictor of incidence of hypercholesterolemia as waist measurements increased, independently form body mass index. Despite this it is still recommended to use both measurements together in a clinical setting. Ultimately it is clear that central fat distribution is strongly linked with hypercholesterolemia than general fat distribution which is measured by the body mass index. The study recommends that larger population studies need to be conducted for better validation of these tools.