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.

Map showing participating countries

The paler parts of this map indicate countries contributing studies to the collaboration.

Study Update

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

Status/Results

Data from 21 contributing studies with information on approximately 263,000 people has been obtained and additional data is currently being sought. A study Protocol has been published in Obesity Reviews. Three manuscripts on the association between blood pressure, diabetes and overweight have been published in the Journal of Hypertension, Diabetes Care and Obesity Reviews. As a direct consequence of this study, A/Prof Huxley has been invited to participate in an Expert Consultation on central obesity organised by the WHO Department of Nutrition for Health and Development (NHD). The aim of the meeting will be to clarify the WHO's position on the issues related to waist circumference and waist/hip ratio, in particular those related to the variations by ethnicity, age and sex; measurement methodology; predicting CVD and diabetes risks as well as overall mortality risk, with a view to determine their possible cut-off points for public health action.

Institute Investigators

Collaboration

Funding Agencies