Waist circumference cutoff points for predicting metabolic abnormalities in Lebanese adults

Abstract

recruited a Using receiver operating characteristics curve analy-ses, we evaluated different waist circumference cutoff points for the optimal combination of sensitivity and specificity that distinguish men and women with concomitant presence of impaired blood sugar and hypertension. Results: The optimal waist circumference cutoffs for prediction of the outcome were 98.5 cm in men and 91.5 cm in women, yielding better predictive characteristics than those recommended by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Based on the study values, the prevalence rates of central obesity in our sample (36.2% in males and 40.2% in females) were lower than those estimated using the IDF cutoff values (55.2% and 79.7%, respec-tively). Conclusions: Findings from this first examination of optimal central obesity cutoff points in Lebanon confirm the need for nation-wide studies with more inclusive cardio-metabolic outcomes for the development of appropriate screening protocols.