Body Mass Index and Waist-Hip Ratio as Health Risk Predictors among selected Southern Nigerian University Undergraduates

Abstract

Objective: The use of clinical anthropometry in the evaluation of several forms of health risks associated with dietary patterns and lifestyle habits has been encouraged globally. This present study aimed to assess the body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) of selected South-Southern Nigerian tertiary students. Methods: The study involved 100 students (50 males: 50 females) of Madonna University, Elele between 18 to 25 years. The health risk classification based on the BMI of both genders was grouped into seven (7) classes; severely underweight, underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese I, II, and III. The WHR health risk classification was grouped into three (3) classes for both genders; low, moderate, and high risks. A stadiometer was calibrated to the nearest 0.01m to obtain body height while body weight was measured to the nearest 0.1kg with a HD358 Tanita digital bathroom weighing scale. Waist (WC) and hip circumferences (HC) were measured to the nearest 0.5cm with a non-stretchable measuring tape. Results: The study showed that the highest proportion of students was either normal (27%) or overweight (24%). Females had a mean BMI and WHR of 26.56kg/m2 and 0.77, respectively while males had a mean BMI and WHR of 30.99kg/m2 and 1.04, respectively. Based on WHR health risk classification, a higher percentage of males had a high risk (40%) in comparison to females (18%). There was a significant difference in the distribution of the WHR health risk classification between males and females (p=0.045). Conclusion: The current study concluded that both BMI and WHR could significantly be utilized as health risk predictors of disorders associated with diet and lifestyle habits in the study population.