Waist-to-Height Ratio Is a Better Screening Index for Metabolic Syndrome among Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese Men and Women in Beijing, China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background: It is well known that obesity can lead to the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The predictive efficacy of various anthropometric indices related to obesity (ObAIs) in predicting Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) exhibits variability based on factors such as gender, age, ethnicity, and geographical location. As a result, the research endeavors to examine the efficacy of four distinct ObAIs in recognizing MetS. It seeks to ascertain the optimal index for screening MetS among middle-aged and elderly individuals residing in Beijing, China, considering both men and women. Methods: In Shijingshan district, Beijing, China, a cross-sectional investigation was carried out spanning from November 2011 to August 2012. The study encompassed 19,145 participants aged 40 years or older. Information pertaining to demographics, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) history, hypertension, and dyslipidemia was systematically gathered. Parameters such as body height, body weight, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference, and blood pressure were meticulously documented. Both the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or a standardized meal test, along with a blood lipid analysis, were diligently administered. The abilities of ObAIs to predict MetS were assessed by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results: The areas under ROC curve (AUC) of BMI, WC, WHtR and WHR for the identification of at least one MetS component were 0.709 (95%CI:0.691–0.727), 0.701(95%CI:0.682–0.720), 0.712(95% CI:0.693–0.731), 0.687 (95% CI: 0.667–0.706) in men and 0.681 (95% CI: 0.670–0.692), 0.702 (95% CI: 0.692–0.713), 0.713 (95% CI: 0.702–0.724), 0.691 (95% CI: 0.680–0.702), respectively, in women. The optimal cut-off points of BMI, WC, WHtR and WHR for the identification of at least one MetS component were 24.95kg/m2, 84.55cm, 0.510, 0.905 in men and 24.60kg/m2, 79.90cm, 0.508, 0.857 in women respectively. Conclusion: WHtR has been found to perform better as a predictor of MetS in middle-aged and elderly Chinese men and women.