A Study on the Relationship between Body Mass Index, Body Fat Percentage, Waist Circumference, Waist-Hip Ratio with Non-Communicable Diseases among University Staffs

Abstract

Background: Obesity becomes a main driver of global rise in non-communicable disease. Many people are unaware that Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Fat Percentage (BFT), Waist Circumference (WC) and Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) could be potential risk of getting Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) as only weight, height and waist circumference are more commonly taken as a baseline to diagnose NCDs. This study aims to determine the relationship between BMI, BFP, WC and WHR that will increase the risk of getting NCDs among the staffs in AIMST University. With these variable, risk of obesity related to NCDs can be estimated and appropriate treatment plans can be established, also to increase the awareness of participants on their health condition.

Methods: In this study, body weight, height and BFP, waist and hip circumference were measured for 250 staffs from each faculty or department in AIMST University. Target participants are required to answer questionnaire to collect data of the diagnosis and duration for their NCDS. These measurements were converted into BMI, BFP, WC and WHR in order to determine any relationship with NCDs.

Results: The results indicate that BMI has significant relationship with NCDs. Most of the people with high BMI were diagnosed with hypertension, followed by type 2 DM and hyperlipidemia. Nevertheless, there is no significant relationship found between variable of BFP, WC, WHR and NCDs.

Conclusion: It was indicated that BMI gives rise to obesity concern as it was shown as one of the significant risk factors that contribute to NCDs such as hypertension, type 2 DM and hyperlipidemia.