[Determination of the management level for a body mass index using multivariate analysis]

It is evident that obesity has adverse effects on health and longevity. The body mass index (BMI) is a simple measurement highly correlated with other estimates of fatness and is useful in determining the extent of obesity, but the management level of the BMI for Japanese remains to be evaluated. The purpose of this study is to determine the management level of the BMI for Japanese adjusted for individual life style factors such as smoking and drinking. Among 1,854 male workers in a financial company, those who had periodical health examinations, 1,445 workers (aged 40-58) were chosen. Excluded were those who were below 150 cm or above 180 cm in height or those who had stopped smoking or drinking. Stepwise logistic regression of the findings of 10 medical test items was performed, using age, the BMI, smoking habits, and drinking habits as independent variables. The following conclusions were obtained. 1. The BMI was chosen as independent variable in all medical test items except glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase. In contrast, age and drinking habits were chosen in 6 medical test items, and smoking habits were chosen in 3 medical test items. 2. When the BMI exceeded 24 (kg/m2), significantly higher odds ratios were observed in the following medical test items: total cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood glucose and uric acid. Thus, this level of the BMI should be used as the management level in the Japanese male. Taking life styles into consideration, the management level of the BMI seemed to be slightly lower than the ordinary level used in Japan. In order to conduct effective health counseling, this level should be used in health care.