Evaluating the Body Mass Index and Waist - Hip ratio in a University Community in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Anthropometric measurements are important non-invasive tools for assessing body composition, size, general health, nutritional status and health risks. This study assessed Body Mass Index (BMI) and the Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) as a means to determining disease predisposition among the individuals studied.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 participants at a tertiary institution in Delta State, Nigeria. A convenience sampling technique was applied to recruit the participants. Demographic information and anthropometric measurements were done. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 and results presented in percentages.

Result: The mean age of the participants was 23.7 ± 8.4 years. Majority (60.4%) of the participants had normal BMI. All the male participants (14.2%) had WHR ≤ 0.9 while 11% of the females had WHR > 0.85. There was a significant positive relationship between systolic blood pressure and BMI (r= 0.315, P< 0.05) while diastolic blood pressure also had a positive relationship with BMI but not significant (r= 0.133, P>0.05). Additionally, BMI had a significant positive effect on systolic blood pressure (β= 0.901; t= 3.364; p=0.001) and a non-significant positive effect on diastolic blood pressure (β= 0.356; t= 1.618; p = 0.109} while WHR had a non-significant, negative effect on both systolic (β= -5.360; t= -0312; p =0.756) and diastolic (β= -19.421; t= 14.113; p =0.172).

 Conclusion: Both BMI and WHR are useful indicators of wellness. However, body mass index seems to be a better predictor of systolic blood pressure.