Obesity in Asia Collaboration

Aims:

The overall objective of this initiative is to provide reliable evidence regarding the relationships between anthropometric markers of adiposity and cardiovascular risk factors within populations of the Asia-Pacific Region. More specifically, the aims of this study are to:

  1. Determine which measure of adiposity (BMI, waist circumference, waist:hip ratio) exhibits the strongest correlation with fasting plasma glucose and blood pressure. Further, to examine any heterogeneity in the strength of these associations between each study population to determine whether regional and/or ethnic differences exist.
  2. Estimate the relative risks for the association between measures of adiposity with diabetes and hypertension and to examine whether there is regional and/or ethnic heterogeneity in the associations.

Methods:

Statistical analysis of cross-sectional data to determine prevalence of overweight and obesity, and the strength of associations between measures of adiposity and risk factors.

Study Update:

The second Obesity in Asia investigators meeting was held from 29 - 31 July 2005, in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia.

Status/Results:

Data from 19 contributing studies with information on approximately 170,000 people has been obtained and additional data is currently being sought. A study Protocol has been published in Obesity Reviews. The first manuscript on the association between blood pressure and overweight has been circulated to collaborators and is expected to be published in early 2007.

Institute Investigators:

Collaboration:

Funding Agencies: