The aim of this study of Asian Indian migrants in New Zealand was to determine cut-off points for body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio that best discriminate for increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. One hundred and seventy-five (90F, 85M) Asian Indian volunteers (aged >50 y) were recruited from urban Auckland, New Zealand. Body weight, height and waist and hip circumferences were measured using standard techniques. Waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio and body mass index were derived. Total and percent body fat by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and fasting glucose, insulin and lipids were measured. Three measures of metabolic risk were determined: the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, the McAuley score for insulin sensitivity and metabolic syndrome by International Diabetes Federation criteria. Body mass index, percent body fat and anthropometric measurements of central adiposity generally did not perform well as indicators of metabolic risk in this high risk population of Asian Indian migrants. Our data support the use of lower ethnic specific body mass index and waist circumference for Asian Indian women and men. The discriminatory power of waist-to-height ratio was similar to that of body mass index. Hence, waist-to-height ratio could be used as a simple screening tool. A recommendation, of a waist-to- height ratio of less than 0.5 that would underpin the simple public health message of "your waist circumference should be less than half your height".

Metabolic syndrome Asian Indians Waist-to-height ratio Type 2 diabetes mellitus New Zealand

urban population Adipose Tissue body composition morphometrics photon absorptiometry Blood Glucose Body Weights and Measures Absorptiometry, Photon Asian Lipids insulin resistance metabolic syndrome X physiology methodology Waist-Hip Ratio Waist Circumference non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus Cardiovascular Diseases sex ratio Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 human waist hip ratio middle aged statistics Asian continental ancestry group obesity ethnology lipid insulin Humans cardiovascular disease male female risk factor Risk Factors Article blood glucose blood level adult migration body weight New Zealand Sex Distribution Transients and Migrants body mass Body Mass Index