Waist circumference, weight, and body mass index of Iranians based on national non-communicable disease risk factors surveillance

Obesity is an important and life-threatening disease, associated with different chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. We sought to address the paucity of information on the trends of anthropometric indices such as weight, waist circumference, and body mass index in the adult population of Iran. We drew upon data from the First Non-communicable Disease Survey in Iran in 2005. In total, 79,611 participants between 20 and 64 years old were selected via the random multistage cluster sampling. The Lambda Median Scale method was applied to construct normal curves for anthropometric indices. The mean of waist circumference in both genders increased with age and in all the age groups except those between 20 and 24 years old was higher in the women. The mean of body mass index was higher in all the age brackets in the women, but the means of weight and height were higher in the men. The association of theses indices with diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia was stronger in men. The ranges of waist circumference and body mass index in Iranian population are different from those of other countries. The higher body mass index and waist circumference in females and the direct association between obesity and chronic diseases, is advisable that the effects of this phenomenon be fully investigated and due heed be paid to the importance of lifestyle modification

Association between anthropometric measures and bone mineral density: population-based study

Osteoporosis is a major public health concern around the world. It has been shown that bone mineral density is correlated to anthropometric measures like height and weight, but this association may vary depending on ethnic and environmental factors. The aim of this study was to identify probable relations between anthropometric measures and bone mineral density. In this population-based study, we compiled the data collected from Iranian Multicenter Osteoporosis Study to assess the possible associations between different anthropometric indices and bone mineral density at femur and lumbar spine. The gathered data was analyzed using t-test and one way ANOVA. Data was available for 4445 subjects, consisting 1900 males [42.7%] and 2545 females [57.3%]. We observed statistically significant correlations between bone mineral density and height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist to hip ratio and body mass index [BMI]. Based on the result of linear regression modeling studies, BMI could be considered an independent predictor of bone mineral density. Iranian population shows similar measures compared to analogous studies in other populations. Lower weight should be carefully considered as a predisposing factor for bone loss and osteoporosis

[Osteoporosis and exercise in postmenopausal women]

Osteoporosis is one of the most common metabolic bone diseases. Half of all women over the age of 50 years suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. Treatment regimen consists of both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapy. One most effective nonpharmacologic therapy is continuous and suitable exercise. The aim of this review is to assess the effects of exercise on Bone Mass Density [BMD]. The results of related clinical trials suggest that all exercises do not have positive effects on BMD and the type, severity and duration of exercise are important factors in increasing BMD. It seems that a combination of weight bearing and resistance exercises, as a specific and continuous program has an effect on increasing BMD. Some clinical trials showed that strength exercise is also effective. Since Osteoporosis more commonly affects postmenopausal women, an organized exercise program including aerobic and light exercise is effective in increasing BMD. Considering the positive effects of exercise, regular exercise programs are in these women are recommended