Identifying Adolescent Metabolic Syndrome Using Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference
2008

Identifying Adolescent Metabolic Syndrome Using BMI and Waist Circumference

Sample size: 185 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sarah M Camhi, JoAnn Kuo, Deborah R Young

Primary Institution: University of Maryland, College Park

Hypothesis

Can body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference effectively identify metabolic syndrome in adolescent girls?

Conclusion

Both BMI and waist circumference are useful for identifying metabolic syndrome, but waist circumference is a better predictor.

Supporting Evidence

  • 18% of participants met the criteria for metabolic syndrome.
  • 64% of participants had a BMI above the cutpoint.
  • Waist circumference was a stronger predictor of metabolic syndrome than BMI.

Takeaway

This study looked at how to tell if teenage girls have metabolic syndrome by measuring their weight and waist size. It found that measuring waist size is better for spotting the problem.

Methodology

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using BMI and waist circumference measurements to identify metabolic syndrome in adolescent girls.

Potential Biases

The study may not account for all potential confounding factors related to metabolic syndrome.

Limitations

The sample was predominantly African American, which may limit generalizability to other populations.

Participant Demographics

Participants were predominantly African American girls with a median age of 14 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI, 2.30-45.46

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

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