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Women with a low education had a higher prevalence of central obesity and men with a high income had a higher prevalence of a central obesity. To evaluate waist circumference (WC) as a screening tool for obesity in a Caribbean population, to identify risk groups with a high prevalence of (central) obesity in a Caribbean population, and to evaluate associations between (central) obesity and self-reported hypertension and diabetes mellitus, Dutch and Caribbean researchers carried out a cross-sectional population-based study involving a random sample of adults (18 years or older) selected from the Population Registries of three islands of the Netherlands Antilles. Response was over 80%. Complete data were available for 2025 subjects. A questionnaire and measurements of weight, height, waist and hip were used, the main outcome measurement being central obesity indicator (WC 102 cm 0r more men, 88 cm or more women).
They found that waist circumference was positively associated with age (65-74 y vs 18-24 y) in men (OR=7.7) and women (OR=6.4). Women with a low education had a higher prevalence of central obesity than women with a high education (OR=0.5). However, men with a high income had a higher prevalence of a central obesity than men with a low income (OR=1.7). WC was the strongest independent obesity indicator associated with self-reported hypertension (OR=1.7) and diabetes mellitus (OR=1.6).
The researchers concluded: “The identified risk groups were women aged 55-74 years, women with a low educational level and men with a high income. WC appears to be the major obesity indicator associated with hypertension and diabetes mellitus”
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004) 58, 1159-1165. August 2004
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Two separate studies found that only 37% of patients with diabetes are achieving their target LDL cholesterol levels of 100mg/dL or less. Abstract #948 & 939 ADA 64th Scientific Sessions