Waist Circumference: A Simple, Low-Cost Predictor of Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome, linked to abdominal obesity and
insulin resistance, increases with rising BMI and affects key metabolic
markers. Early, low-cost, non-invasive detection can prevent progression
to serious comorbidities. Aim: This study identifies low-cost, simple
clinical predictors to detect metabolic syndrome and raise awareness
across all economic groups. Methods: Retrospective study of 598 adults
(18-78 yrs) from a Mumbai nutrition clinic using purposive sampling.
Inclusion was based on Metabolic Syndrome as per IDF criteria
with 2 or 3 abnormal parameters. Statistical analysis was performed
using the R programming package dplyr for data processing and
interpretation. Results: Waist circumference positively correlated with
insulin, glucose, HbAlc, triglycerides, blood pressure, and negatively
with high density lipoprotein cholesterol. One-way ANOVA for four
groups of waist circumference (<90 cm, 90-100 cm, 101-110 cm, 110
cms) showed significant differences in insulin, glucose, lipids, and
blood pressure. A clear trend of increasing comorbidities was observed
with rising WC values. Chi-Squared analysis with categorical variables
such as comorbidities (0,1,2,3) and diabetes diagnosis/status based on
glycated hemoglobin shows a statistically significant relationship with
waist circumference groups. Chi-square analysis revealed prediabetics
with central obesity had significantly higher comorbidity incidence.
Conclusions: Waist circumference serves as a simple and cost-effective
marker for early identification of health risks, raising awareness,
promoting preventive health behaviours, and reducing healthcare
burdens.