Prevalence of abdominal obesity in the Portuguese population assessed by different anthropometric indices

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. The association between abdominal obesity and cardiovascular risk is well established. This study aimed to estimate and characterize the prevalence of abdominal obesity in the Portuguese population aged 25-74 years in 2015, using waist circumference, waist to- hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, and a body shape index.

Data from the First National Health Examination Survey, a cross-sectional study, was used. Participants aged between 25 and 74 years, not pregnant, and with available data on anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist circumference, and hip circumference) were included. Individuals undergoing cancer treatment were excluded from the study.

Among 4812 participants the prevalence of abdominal obesity according to each considered anthropometric measure was 40.3 % (95 % CI: 38.0-42.5), 43.6 % (95 % CI: 40.1-47.0), 65.2 % (95 % CI: 62.8-67.5) and 75.5 % (95 % CI: 74.1-76.9) when considering waist circumference, a body shape index, waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio, respectively. The most affected individuals had 60-74 years, with no formal education or only primary education and engaged in low-skilled occupations (e.g., farmers, industrial workers, and construction workers). These findings remained consistent, regardless of the index under consideration.

The prevalence of abdominal obesity ranged from 40.3 % for waist circumference to 75.5 % for waist-to-height ratio. Nonetheless, irrespective of the index employed, the prevalence was elevated. Older individuals, with lower education levels, and those engaged in less skilled occupations were most affected. Early identification of abdominal obesity in Primary Healthcare is essential.