Correlation of obesity indices with metabolic syndrome among Igbos in Enugu and their optimal cut-off points

Background: Metabolic syndrome also known as insulin resistance syndrome or Syndrome X, represents an association of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its central diagnostic criteria include obesity, impaired fasting glucose, low HDL-cholesterol; elevated triglycerides levels and high blood pressure. Insulin resistance is believed to be the main cause of Metabolic Syndrome and is connected to the level of visceral or intra-abdominal adipose tissue, which could be assessed either by calculating body mass index or by measuring waist circumference.
Objectives: This study aimed at determining the correlation of indices of obesity with metabolic syndrome among Igbos in Enugu and their optimal cut-off points.
Method: This was a cross-sectional community-based descriptive survey carried out in Enugu Metropolis involving 469 apparently healthy adult volunteers age range 18-75 screened for metabolic syndrome using the Joint Interim Statement definition. Stratified random sampling technique was used in the selection of participants. The data obtained were coded and analyzed into percentages, mean and standard deviation using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23. t-test was used to compare continuous variables for associations, while Youden index and Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis were used to determine optimal cut-off point of the obesity indices that best balances sensitivity and specificity of the obesity indices. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine correlation between obesity indices and cardiovascular risks. Statistical significance is set at p< 0.05 and 95% confidence interval.
Result: The study revealed that all indices of obesity showed positive correlation with metabolic syndrome. BMI showed the least strength of correlation while WC is the best discriminator for predicting Metabolic Syndrome however, the optimal cut-off point of the obesity indices differ from the standard cut-off points.
Conclusion: All the obesity indices used in the study showed positive correlation with metabolic syndrome however, WC is to be preferred in screening for metabolic syndrome. The optimal cut-off point obtained can be applied specifically for Igbos in Enugu