An Optimal Waist Circumference Cutoff Point for the Diagnosis of Other Metabolic Syndrome Components: a Study in Iran

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a challenging area in the public health field. Despite an essential role of waist circumference (WC) there is not yet an acceptable cutoff point for this index in many societies. The present study was designed to determine an optimal cutoff point for WC in MetS. Material and methods: Among 6140 subjects, 5755 participated in all stages of the study. For the purpose of this study, only those ≥ 16 year-old (n=5525) were enrolled in the present study. ROC analysis was conducted to predict at least two other components of MetS by WC. Youdene and distance indexes were used to determine the optimal cutoff point of WC in the prediction of MetS. Results: The prevalence of MetS was 28.4%, according to NCEP/ ATPIII criteria, 32.1%, according to the AHA/ NHLBI update of ATP III criteria, 34.9%, according to IDF definition and 38.1% according to the Joint Interim Statement JIS definition. The maximal Youden index was related to the cutoff point value of 90cm in men (0.331) and 91cm in women (0.353). However the minimal distance index was related to cutoff point values of 9293 cm in men (0.481) and 93 cm in women (0.463), respectively. Conclusion: To identify the MetS, our study suggested a cutoff point of 90-93 cm in men and 90-93 cm in women for WC. WHR may be a more reliable index in the diagnosis of MetS.