Abstract
Background
Anthropometric indices have been studied as tools with which to detect metabolic syndrome (MetS). Few data are available from Southeast Asian populations where ethnic differences are an issue.
Objectives
To compare the performance of body mass index (BMI) and neck circumference (NC) in predicting MetS, determine the correlation between waist circumference (WC), BMI and NC, and identify optimal cut-off points in older Thai people.
Methods
We prospectively recruited participants aged ≥50 years to the Healthy Ageing Khon Kaen University Campus Project from March 2012 to April 2015 and collected their baseline characteristics, anthropometric measures, and metabolic profiles. MetS was recognized using International Diabetes Foundation criteria.
Results
We enrolled 586 participants as part of a wider study (Limpawattana P, Manjavong M, Sopapong R. Endocr Prac 2016; 22:8-15). BMI and NC had positive correlations with WC in both sexes (P < 0.001). For women, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for BMI was 0.88 (95%CI 0.84, 0.91) and for NC was 0.79 (95%CI 0.75, 0.84). For men, the AUC for BMI was 0.91 (95%CI 0.87, 0.95) and for NC was 0.84 (95%CI 0.79, 0.90). BMI ≥24.5kg/m2 in either sex, and NC ≥33 cm in women or ≥39 cm in men indicated MetS.
Conclusions
BMI and NC are good anthropometric indices for predicting MetS. BMI was better than NC. A BMI of 24.5kg/m2 in either sex and NCs of 33 cm in women and 39 cm in men are recommended as the optimal cutoff points to indicate MetS.