Body mass index and ABO blood groups among different ethnicities of the Golestan cohort study subjects

ABSTRACT

ABO blood groups are associated with some important chronic diseases. Obesity as a major risk factor of chronic non-communicable diseases is rising rapidly in Iran as well as in developing countries. Understanding the risks for obesity is important for its control. This study seeks to determine if there is any association between ABO blood groups and body mass index [BMI]. Weight, height and blood groups were determined for participants of the Golestan Cohort Study in order to find any association between ABO blood groups and BMI. Prevalences of overweight and obesity in participants [mean age 52.1 +/- 8.0 years] were 33.9 and 25.4, respectively. Mean weight and BMI were significantly higher in blood group A, females and those of Turkman ethnicity. After adjustments for age, sex and ethnicity, there was no association noted between VMI and ABO blood group. The prevalence of obesity and overweight in Iran is high, as seen in developing countries. There is no association between BMI and ABO blood groups in the Golestan cohort population, but Turkman ethnicity and female gender are associated with higher BMI