AGE DISTRIBUTION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF BODY MASS INDEX AND WAIST TO HIP RATIO IN NORMOTENSIVE MIDDLE AGED MALES

This study aims to investigate the age distribution and significance of body mass index (BMI) and waist to Hip ratio (W/H) in middle aged normotensive males (40 - 60 years) in preventing obesity related morbidity and mortality. Height, Wei ght, Waist Circumference, Hip Circumference, BMI and W/H were measured on 60 normotensive male patients aged between 40 - 60 years. Statistical comparisons were carried out between 40 - 50 year age group and 50 - 60 year age groups as well as between obese and N on - obese subjects at 5 % level of significance. In the Age group between 40 - 50 years (n = 33), 14 were non - obese (23.3 %) and 19 were obese (31.7 %). In the Age group between 50 - 60 years (n = 27), 6 were non - obese (10 %) and 21 were obese (35 %). Highly si gnificant increase in BMI and W/H ratio were observed in obese subjects compared to Non - obese subjects in both 40 - 50 y ears and 50 - 60 year age groups. Percentage of population at risk among normal middle aged males if identified at early stages can adopt th e preventive strategies to reduce the obesity related morbidity and mortality.