Waist circumference in determining central obesity and hypertension among Mishing and Chutiya males of Assam

This cross-sectional study included Mishing (n=101) and Chutiya (n=135) adult males of 20 to 59 years of age. Height, weight, waist circumference, systolic, and diastolic blood pressures were measured. Body Mass Index was computed as weight (in kg) divided by height (in meters) squared. Hypertension was defined as Systolic Blood Pressure >= 140 mmHg and/or Diastolic Blood Pressure >= 90 mm Hg. Body Mass Index >= 23 kg/m² and >= 25 kg/m² were considered overweight and obesity, respectively. An attempt has been made to evaluate the relative significance and effectiveness of waist circumference to identify central obesity, generalized obesity, and hypertension in adult Mishing and Chutiya males of Assam. Receiver Operating Characteristics curve analysis was employed to determine the cut-off points of Waist Circumference to identify obesity. The study reveals that waist circumference is a better predictor of overweight and obesity than the Body Mass Index. The findings of our study confirm that the optimum cut off point of Body Mass Index >=23 kg/m² (WHO) and hypertensive (SBP >=140 mm Hg/ DBP>=90 mm Hg) and 98 cm for waist circumference.