Gender differences in weight-adjusted waist index in elderly inhabitants of a geriatric center

Abstract

Introduction and aim: Weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) represents a novel anthropometric measure for assessing obesity. Bearing in mind that there is insufficient data in the literature regarding gender differences in WWI values, the aim of the current study was to examine gender differences in WWI values among older adults. Materials and methods: The research was conducted at the Sarajevo Gerontological Center, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study design was cross-sectional. It included 151 participants aged 65 years and older (66 males and 85 females). Anthropometric parameters as well as data on blood pressure were gathered. WWI was calculated by dividing waist circumference (in cm) by the square root of body weight (in kg). Differences between compared groups were analyzed using the Student t-test, Mann-Whitney U or chi-square test. The Spearman’s test was used to assess correlations. Results: Elderly women had significantly higher values of WWI compared to men. In elderly male participants, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between WWI and waist circumference, hip circumference, neck circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference, but no statistically significant correlation was found with BMI. In elderly female participants, statistically significant positive correlation between WWI and all tested anthropometric measures was found. Conclusion: The differences in WWI values between genders observed in the present study highlight its gender-specific implications and underline the importance of considering gender when interpreting WWI in clinical and research settings. Further research is warranted to explore additional health implications and validate WWI utility across diverse populations and age groups.