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Application of obesity treatment algorithms to Canadian adults

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 59, pages 797–800 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to apply obesity treatment algorithms to a representative sample of Canadians to determine their potential impact on the population.

Design:

The Canadian Heart Health Surveys (1986–1992) were used to describe the prevalence of adults (18–64 y) that would be eligible for weight loss treatment according to the US NIH algorithm, which uses body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and the presence of two or more cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Similar algorithms based on CVD risk factors and a single measure of either BMI or WC alone were also evaluated.

Results:

Using the NIH algorithm, 24% of Canadians (28% men, 19% women) would be identified for weight loss treatment. Virtually, all subjects received the same treatment recommendations when using BMI and CVD risk factors only, while 22% (23% men, 21% women) would meet the criteria for treatment using WC and CVD risk factors only.

Conclusions:

Approximately one in four Canadians would be eligible for weight loss treatment using the NIH obesity treatment algorithm. However, the algorithm may be improved through the incorporation of more sensitive WC thresholds.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a New Emerging Team grant from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. C Mason is supported by a Master's Studentship Award from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Physical and Health Education, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada

    C Mason & P T Katzmarzyk

  2. Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada

    P T Katzmarzyk

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  1. C Mason
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  2. P T Katzmarzyk
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Correspondence to P T Katzmarzyk.

Additional information

Guarantor: PT Katzmarzyk.

Contributors: Both CM and PTK contributed to the conception of the research. CM conducted the analysis and prepared the first draft of the manuscript. PTK aided with the interpretation of the results and the editing of the manuscript.

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Mason, C., Katzmarzyk, P. Application of obesity treatment algorithms to Canadian adults. Eur J Clin Nutr 59, 797–800 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602140

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