Waist circumference cutoff identifying risks of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease in men with spinal cord injury

PLoS ONE, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0236752 · Published: July 29, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science Endocrinology

Simple Explanation

Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at heightened risks of developing obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The purpose of this study was to use a WC cutoff point of 86.5 cm to modify the existing classification criteria for the aforementioned comorbidities. Using the existing general population criteria underestimated persons with SCI who are at risk of developing obesity, MetS, and CVD.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

36 men with chronic SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Using SCI specific WC cutoff point of 86.5 cm, 36% of participants were classified as obese compared to only 3% when using WC of 102 cm.
2
The Kappa (κ) values improved substantially after using SCI specific criteria (0.95 ± 0.05) compared to the general population criteria (0.47 ± 0.28) for three definitions of MetS.
3
The SCI specific FRS cutoff value of 6 was predicted after applying a WC cutoff of 86.5 cm.

Research Summary

The major finding of this study was that applying SCI specific WC cutoff point (> 86.5 cm) improves the diagnostic ability of the existing indices and criteria to accurately capture those at risk of developing obesity, MetS, and CVD. On average, the risk of MetS increased by 1.5-fold after applying the SCI specific WC cutoff point. Finally, an SCI specific FRS cutoff value of 6 was proposed to accurately predict those at risk of developing CVD.

Practical Implications

Improved Obesity Detection

Using an SCI-specific waist circumference cutoff (86.5 cm) significantly improves the detection of obesity risk compared to general population criteria, leading to more accurate identification of individuals needing intervention.

Enhanced Metabolic Syndrome Diagnosis

Applying the SCI-specific waist circumference cutoff to existing MetS definitions enhances their ability to accurately identify individuals at risk, facilitating timely and appropriate clinical management.

Refined Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment

The proposed SCI-specific Framingham Risk Score cutoff value of 6 may enable earlier and more accurate prediction of CVD risk in the SCI population, allowing for proactive preventive measures.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size
2
Results may not accurately translate to women with SCI as only men participated in the current study.
3
The level of physical activity was not objectively measured in the current report.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury