Research Article
Determination of Waist Circumference Thresholds for the Diagnosis of Abdominal Obesity in Adults of African Origin in the Maritime Region of Togo
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
365-377
Received:
1 October 2025
Accepted:
15 October 2025
Published:
31 October 2025
Abstract: Abdominal obesity is associated with a major risk of cardiometabolic diseases. The waist circumference thresholds currently used in Togo are based on European data and have not been validated for local African populations. This discrepancy can lead to diagnostic errors and suboptimal management. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal waist circumference thresholds for identifying the cardiometabolic factors characteristic of abdominal obesity. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 506 adults aged 15-59 years in the maritime region of Togo, including 119 subjects without metabolic disease for the establishment of reference intervals. The limits of 2.5 to 97.5 percentiles were used to determine the reference intervals. Biochemical analyses were performed in accordance with ISO 15189 requirements. The diagnostic thresholds associated with the presence of cardiometabolic risk factors were determined by analyzing the ROC curves using the Youden method. In women, waist circumference thresholds of 82, 86, 86 and 91 cm were significantly associated with: Total Cholesterol ≥2.0 g/l, Triglycerides ≥1.50 g/l, Blood Glucose ≥1.00 g/l and BP ≥130/85 mmHg, respectively. The optimal threshold was set at 91 cm. In men, waist circumference thresholds of 71, 73, 74, 82 and 93 cm were significantly associated with: triglycerides ≥1.50 g/l, Blood glucose ≥1.00 g/l, Blood glucose ≥1.26 g/l, Total cholesterol ≥2.0 g/l and blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg. The optimal threshold selected was 82 cm. This study establishes waist circumference thresholds specific to our black population in the maritime region of Togo: 91 cm for women and 82 cm for men. These values, which are lower than international standards, are significantly associated with the main cardiometabolic risk factors and enable better prevention of metabolic syndrome adapted to local characteristics.
Abstract: Abdominal obesity is associated with a major risk of cardiometabolic diseases. The waist circumference thresholds currently used in Togo are based on European data and have not been validated for local African populations. This discrepancy can lead to diagnostic errors and suboptimal management. The objective of this study was to determine the opti...
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Research Article
Association of General and Central Obesity with Health Literacy Among Adults in Southern Bangladesh
Shammy Akter*
,
Bably Sabina Azhar,
Md. Sohanur Islam,
Sadia Alam,
Md. Hasibul Hasan
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
378-382
Received:
23 September 2025
Accepted:
10 October 2025
Published:
12 November 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijnfs.20251406.12
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Views:
Abstract: Background: Obesity is a growing public health concern globally, contributing to multiple chronic diseases. Health literacy, defined as the ability to understand and apply health information, influences dietary and lifestyle behaviors, and may affect obesity outcomes. This study investigates the association between general obesity (BMI), central obesity (waist circumference), and health literacy among adults in southern Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 323 adults (162 males, 161 females) aged 18-65 years. Anthropometric measurements (BMI and WC) and the EU Health Literacy Score (HLS-EU) were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS v28, including descriptive statistics, t-tests, and Pearson correlations. Results: Mean BMI was 25.1 ± 4.0 kg/m2, mean WC 86.2 ± 9.3 cm, and mean health literacy score 30.2 ± 8.1. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 38% and 22%, respectively. BMI and WC positively correlated with age (r = 0.32, 0.29; p < 0.01) and negatively with health literacy (BMI: r = -0.21; WC: r = -0.18; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Both general and central obesity are prevalent among adults in southern Bangladesh, and lower health literacy is associated with higher obesity measures. Interventions targeting health literacy may improve obesity prevention and management.
Abstract: Background: Obesity is a growing public health concern globally, contributing to multiple chronic diseases. Health literacy, defined as the ability to understand and apply health information, influences dietary and lifestyle behaviors, and may affect obesity outcomes. This study investigates the association between general obesity (BMI), central ob...
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