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Relationship between body mass index and cardiometabolic health in a multi-ethnic population: A project baseline
Nishant P Shah1, Rong Lu2, Francois Haddad3
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
Insights
Higher body mass index (BMI) is linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk. This study reveals associations between obesity, cardiometabolic health, and mental well-being, aiding targeted prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Obesity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Understanding the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and various health parameters is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
- The Project Baseline Health Study (PBHS) provides a comprehensive dataset for exploring these associations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between comprehensive health parameters and Body Mass Index (BMI) categories.
- To identify specific cardiometabolic, mental health, and physical health characteristics associated with different levels of obesity.
- To inform targeted public health interventions for cardiovascular disease prevention.
Main Methods:
- Participants from the Project Baseline Health Study (PBHS) were categorized into six BMI groups (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and three obesity classes).
- Demographic, cardiometabolic, mental health, and physical health data were collected and compared across BMI categories.
- Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to analyze the associations between health parameters and BMI.
Main Results:
- The study included 2,493 participants with an average BMI of 28.4 kg/m².
- Obesity categories showed higher prevalence of coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores >0, hypertension, diabetes, lower HDL-C, lower vitamin D, higher triglycerides, and higher hsCRP.
- Individuals in higher BMI categories also exhibited lower physical activity levels (mean step counts) and poorer mental health outcomes (higher PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores).
Conclusions:
- Significant associations were found between cardiometabolic and mental health characteristics and BMI.
- These findings enhance the understanding of cardiovascular health across the spectrum of BMI.
- The results support the need for integrated approaches to manage weight, cardiometabolic risk, and mental well-being for CVD prevention.
Objective:
Obesity is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Understanding the associations between comprehensive health parameters and body mass index (BMI) may lead to targeted prevention efforts.
Methods:
Project Baseline Health Study (PBHS) participants were divided into six BMI categories: underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2), class I obesity (30-34.9 kg/m2), class II obesity (35-39.9 kg/m2), and class III obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m2). Demographic, cardiometabolic, mental health, and physical health parameters were compared across BMI categories, and multivariable logistic regression models were fit to evaluate associations.
Results:
A total of 2,493 PBHS participants were evaluated. The mean age was 50±17.2 years; 55 % were female, 12 % Hispanic, 16 % Black, and 10 % Asian. The average BMI was 28.4 kg/m2±6.9. The distribution of BMI by age group was comparable to the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset. The obesity categories had higher proportions of participants with CAC scores >0, hypertension, diabetes, lower HDL-C, lower vitamin D, higher triglycerides, higher hsCRP, lower mean step counts, higher mean PHQ-9 scores, and higher mean GAD-7 scores.
Conclusion:
We identified associations of cardiometabolic and mental health characteristics with BMI, thereby providing a deeper understanding of cardiovascular health across BMI.
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