Criteria and Classification of Obesity in Japan and Asia-Oceania

Abstract

In developed and developing countries, morbidity and mortality rates are increasing in individuals classified as being obese [1-6]. The higher morbidity and mortality rates of obese people are due to the increased incidence of obesity-related (lifestyle-related) diseases. It is now recognized that different criteria of obesity by BMI are necessary in different ethnic groups and populations [7,8]. In addition to the degree of obesity, other factors which increase the morbidity rate of obese people include abnormal fat distribution such as upper body obesity and visceral obesity [9,10]. Recently, the definition of 'pathological obesity' has been made in Japan [11]. Definition of Obesity and Previous Criteria of ObesityObesity is defined as excessive fat accumulation but not over-weightedness. The average human body usually consists of 82% lean body mass, which is essential for sustaining daily life and physical activities, and 18% body fat which, in essence, is energy store for emergency situations [12]. Thus, obesity can be defined as 'overstorage of body fat beyond 18%'. Usually, body fat above 25% in men and 30% in women is considered to be obese. According to this definition, obesity should be determined by measuring body fat. Although there are presently many methods for measuring body fat, no methods can be conducted easily, accurately and inexpensively.

Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference and Cut-Off Points for Metabolic Syndrome in Urban Residents in Ningxia

“…Currently such cut-off points are derived from studies among European populations and thus may not be applicable to other ethnic groups [8] [14]. Indeed, some studies suggest that Asian populations manifest metabolic syndrome risk factors at lower levels of BMI and WC than Western populations [12] [9] and 27 kg/m 2 in Indonesia [17] was found to categorize obese individuals best in relation to high prevalent metabolic syndrome risk. Similarly, the reported cut-off points for WC range from 102 cm for American men [8], to 94 cm for Europeans [18], 84.5 cm for Omani Arabs [15], and 85 cm for Tunisians [16] and Japanese [9].…”

“…Indeed, some studies suggest that Asian populations manifest metabolic syndrome risk factors at lower levels of BMI and WC than Western populations [12] [9] and 27 kg/m 2 in Indonesia [17] was found to categorize obese individuals best in relation to high prevalent metabolic syndrome risk. Similarly, the reported cut-off points for WC range from 102 cm for American men [8], to 94 cm for Europeans [18], 84.5 cm for Omani Arabs [15], and 85 cm for Tunisians [16] and Japanese [9]. The corresponding figures among women are 88 cm for Americans [8], 80 cm for Europeans [10], Omani Arabs [15] and Asians [9], 85 cm for Tunisians [19] and 90 cm for Japanese [9].…”

“…Currently such cut-off points are derived from studies among European populations and thus may not be applicable to other ethnic groups [7] [8]. A growing number of studies show that different countries and populations require different cut-off points as indicators for detecting MS [9]- [11]. For example, some studies suggest that Asian populations manifest MS risk factors at lower levels of BMI and WC than Western populations, owing in part to a higher percentage of body fat [12] [13].…”

Dietary Behaviors, Psychological Well-Being, and Mental Distress Among University Students in ASEAN

“…Body mass index (BMI) was classified according to Asian criteria: normal weight (18.5 to < 23.0), overweight (23.0 to < 25.0), and obese (≥ 25) (17).…”

The likelihood of having a serum PSA level of ≥2.5 ng/mL according to the degree of fatty liver disease in a screened population

“…Body mass index (BMI) was defined as the weight (kg) divided by the square of the height (m 2 ). 13 The classification as non-obese or obese was based on the Asia-Pacific criteria for obesity, 13 and the definition of MS followed the recent consensus report of the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III.…”