The relationship between weight-adjusted-waist index, body mass index and diabetic retinopathy among American adults: a population-based analysis

• Published in: Scientific reports Vol. 14; no. 1; pp. 23837 - 9
• Main Authors: Wang, Songtao, Qin, Hecong, Zhang, Yu, Yang, Ning, Zhao, Jinsong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 11.10.2024; Nature Publishing Group; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: 692/699/2743/137/138; 692/699/3161/3175; Adult; Aged; Blood vessels; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diabetes; Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic retinopathy; Diabetic Retinopathy - epidemiology; Diabetic Retinopathy - etiology; Female; Humanities and Social Sciences; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Middle age; Middle Aged; multidisciplinary; Nutrition Surveys; Obesity; Obesity - complications; Obesity - epidemiology; Overweight; Poverty; Prevalence; Regression analysis; Retinopathy; Risk Factors; Science; Science (multidisciplinary); United States - epidemiology; Variables; Waist Circumference; Weight-adjusted waist index; Womens health; United States; Body mass index; Diabetic retinopathy; Obesity; Weight-adjusted waist index
• ISSN: 2045-2322; 2045-2322
• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-75211-9

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes, with its prevalence increasing globally. While previous research has linked obesity indices such as body mass index (BMI) to DR, the association with weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) remains unclear. Additionally, the relationship between WWI and DR has not been fully elucidated. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005–2008) to investigate these associations in Americans aged 40 and above. The study included 5436 participants (2705 men and 2731 women). Weighted logistic regression analysis revealed a significant increase in DR prevalence with higher WWI and BMI values. Smooth curve analysis demonstrated a linear correlation between WWI and DR. The findings suggest that both WWI and BMI are independently associated with DR risk among older US adults, highlighting the importance of considering central obesity measures in assessing diabetic complications.