10-Year Change in Waist Circumference and Cardiometabolic Profiles of Filipino Women

Delia B. Carba, University of San Carlos
Nanette Mayol, University of San Carlos

Developing countries like the Philippines are undergoing epidemiological transition wherein acute infectious diseases are reduced and non-communicable diseases are increased. In these countries, cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) are the leading causes of mortality. It has been established that current waist circumference (WC) measurements and CMD risk factors are positively associated, however, very few studies looked into the effect of WC change over time. Using data from 2002 and 2012 Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Study, we aim to determine how the change in WC of over 1,700 women affects their cardiometabolic profiles such as blood pressure, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and percent total body fat. Preliminary analysis revealed that change in WC in 10 yrs is associated with adverse cardiometabolic profiles in women, especially in increasing total cholesterol, blood pressure and percent body fat. Thus, program planners need to study and evaluate the financial allocation for the health services of these women.