Obesity Indices amongst Diabetics in an Urban Population of Western Nepal

Background: It is estimated that 20% of global burden of Diabetes mellitus resides in South East Asia Region and is likely to triple by 2025. There is a strong correlation between changing lifestyle factors and increase in diabetes. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of diabetes and to determine the cut-off values of anthropometric indices (Body mass index and waist circumference) that best predict diabetes status among adult population of Pokhara, District Kaski, Nepal. Methods: The cross sectional field study involved 425 respondents, aged 20 years and above using simple random sampling technique. A study instrument which included socio-demographic information and physical measurements of height, weight, waist circumference was used to collect data. Chi- square test and odds ratio were used to analyze data. Results: Prevalence of diabetes was significantly higher among individuals, aged 40 years and above, male gender and among those with high body mass index and increased waist circumference (P<0.5). The BMI cut-off values that predicted diabetes status best for males and females were observed to be 20 kg/m2 and 24 kg/m2 respectively. The cut-off value for WC that predicted best diabetes status was considered to be 80 cm for both males and females. Conclusions: There is an increase in cases of diabetes amongst adult population of District Kaski. Guidelines should be set for detection of obesity in Nepalese population to enable adequate preventive and curative measures.