Objective: To study the influence of central obesity on clustering of other metabolic syndrome (MS) risk variables among adults with normal body mass index.
Methods: Through cluster multistage and random sampling methods, local people aged>35 years old with normal body mass index (BMI=18.5-24.9 kg/m2) in Lanxi country were selected. Overnight fasting blood specimens of these people were collected. Chi-square test, analysis of covariance, and logistic regression analyses were performed.
Results: (1) 1821 residents were surveyed including 844 male and 977 female subjects. The overall prevalence of MS was 8.68% and the overall prevalence of central obesity was 15.87%. Both prevalence rates of the two diseases appeared to be lower in males than in females (MS: 3.32% vs. 13.31%; center obesity: 5.57% vs. 24.77%, all P<0.001). (2) The overall positive rate of clustering on other MS risk variable was 36.02%, with 34.12% in males and 37.67% in females. Comparing the subjects who did not have central obesity, those subjects wth central obesity had higher positive rate in other MS risk variables. (3) Data from analysis of covariance showed that the level of waist circumference appeared an upward trend along with the count of other MS risk variables (all P<0.001). (4) Data from multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that central obesity was a risk factor on clustering of other MS risk variables.
Conclusion: Control the level of waist circumference among normal body mass index was an effective method in preventing metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease in adults.