Publication:

Anthropometric indicators and determinants of body mass index of urban adult subjects: insights from community-based study

Background Poor nutritional status is linked with hypertension, endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, inflammation, impaired glucose tolerance and hormonal imbalance. Aim of the study was to assess nutritional status of subjects based on anthropometric measurement and to find out linkages of body mass index.

Methods This community based cross-sectional study was undertaken on urban adults of Prayagraj district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Multistage sampling procedure was adopted for selection of subjects. Information pertaining to sociodemographic characteristics was obtained by interviewing subjects using pre-designed pretested interview schedule. Assessment of anthropometric measurements and other nutritional parameters were done using standard techniques. Data were analysed using SPSS. For continuous variables, descriptive statistics were calculated. Linkage between body mass index and categorical variables were evaluated using the Chi-square test, with statistical significance at p<0.05.

Results The average height and weight of subjects was 161.74±9.33 cm and 69.63±12.55 kg, respectively. As much as 47.6% and 12.9% were overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2) and obese (≥30 kg/m2), respectively. Gender, caste, marital status, education, occupation and socio-economic status, waist circumference, waist hip ratio, muscle mass, visceral fat, body fat percentage, energy intake and level of physical activity were significantly linked with body mass index.

Conclusions High prevalence of overweight and obese subjects in this study underlines a shift toward nutritional excess, consistent with the nutrition transition. Tailored efforts at state levels are required to strengthen existing policies and develop new interventions to target both forms of malnutrition.