Original Communication
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005) 59, 797–800. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602140 Published online 20 April 2005
Application of obesity treatment algorithms to Canadian adults
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.
C Mason1 and P T Katzmarzyk1,2
- 1School of Physical and Health Education, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- 2Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
Correspondence: PT Katzmarzyk, School of Physical and Health Education, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6. E-mail: katzmarz@post.queensu.ca
Received 16 August 2004; Revised 1 December 2004; Accepted 26 January 2005; Published online 20 April 2005.
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.
Keywords:
overweight, cardiovascular disease risk factors, waist circumference, Canadian Heart Health Surveys
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