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Objectives: The aim of this survey was to assess the association between the three simple anthropometric indices (body mass index [BMI], waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist circumference [WC]) and various metabolic disorders, and to identify which indices can best predict metabolic disorders in Taiwan., Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based survey was carried out from January to December 2000. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all the patients receiving periodic health examination with scheduled items at China Medical University Hospital. Anthropometric indices, metabolic profiles, and abdominal sonography were performed. A total of 746 people aged 19 to 87 were recruited as subjects for this study. The t test, chi2 test, and stepwise multivariate logistic regression were used., Results: The subjects included 44.5% women and 55.5% men, with a mean age of 50.74 +/- 12.68 years. After controlling for the other covariables, stepwise multivariate logistic regression showed considerable statistical significance between overall obesity and hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, and fatty liver. There is also statistical significance between abdominal obesity and abnormal ratio of total cholesterol HDL (high-density lipoprotein), hyperuricemia, and fatty liver. None of the indices revealed any association with hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, abnormal low-density lipoprotein, or abnormal HDL., Conclusions: BMI and WC can best predict some metabolic disorders. For practical reasons, the combined measurement of BMI and WC is the simple and inexpensive anthropometric index for primary health care settings in the routine physical examinations of adults. We hope this study can establish the background data for further investigation on the epidemiology of anthropometric indices in Taiwan.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine which anthropometric index can best predict childhood obesity and to investigate the interrelationship between these anthropometric indices and metabolic abnormalities., Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. In March 2000, 2005 children aged 7 to 8 from the first grade of primary schools in Taichung City in Taiwan were enrolled in this study. Data were obtained on the children's anthropometry, blood pressure, and serum lipid profiles. Body mass index (cutoff points by international age- and sex-specific body mass index [BMI]) and weight-length index (WLI) were measured. The t test, the chi2 test, and stepwise multivariate logistic regression were used. All subjects were divided into four groups: Group 1, nonobese by BMI definition, WLI < 1.2; group 2, obese by BMI definition, WLI < 1.2; group 3, nonobese by BMI definition, WLI > or = 1.2; and group 4, obese by BMI definition, WLI > or = 1.2., Results: There were 951 girls (47.43%) and 1,054 boys (52.57%). The mean age was 7.3 +/- 0.4 years. The prevalence of obesity was 4.21% in girls and 7.87% in boys using BMI definition, and 12.83% in girls and 14.14% in boys using WLI definition. The prevalence of obesity revealed an increased trend with age in both sexes, whether by BMI or WLI definition. Group 4 had the highest prevalence rate of all metabolic abnormalities, except hypertriglyceridemia. After controlling for age and sex, and with group 1 as a reference, odds ratios were considerably higher in group 3 for the risk of hypertension (2.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.67-4.44) and hypertriglyceridemia (5.83; 95% CI, 1.42-23.95). Odds ratios were considerably higher in group 4 for the risk of hypertension (3.75; 95% CI, 2.31-6.07) and high level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.93; 95% CI, 1.32-2.82)., Conclusions: The prevalence of obesity apparently differs depending on the definition of estimation. Childhood obesity exhibits significant correlation with some metabolic abnormalities. We hypothesize that, at present, both indices, BMI and WLI, should be used together to define childhood obesity in clinical practice until a more appropriate and excellent index can be established.