A recent research has helped devise a new set of Qatar-specific parameters for assessing metabolic syndrome. Qatari men with a waist circumference of 102cm or more, and women with 94cm or more are at higher risk of having metabolic diseases, according to the study by Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) researchers.
Using the Qatari-specific cut-off points, the WCM-Q team found that approximately 28% of Qataris satisfy the criteria for metabolic syndrome – a considerably lower level than the estimate of 37% calculated using the European cut-off points recommended by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).
Metabolic syndrome is a serious condition linked to diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
By analysing large amounts of data collected by earlier health surveys conducted in Qatar, the WCM-Q team found that waist circumference was the best predictor of the presence of the other determinants of metabolic syndrome.
“Due to lack of data in the Middle East, the IDF actually recommends using European waist measurement cut-off points for assessing metabolic syndrome in Middle Eastern populations,” said Dr. Ravinder Mamtani, Senior Associate Dean for Population Health and Capacity Building, WCM-Q.
“We realised that there is actually some very good data available in Qatar so we decided to look at it closely and devise a set of waist measurement parameters for assessing metabolic syndrome that is tailored specifically to the Qatari population,” said Sheikh Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al Thani, Director of Public Health, Ministry of Public Health, and a principal member of the research team.
“This has given us a better understanding of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Qataris and we believe it will help health professionals target interventions more accurately to address the growing problem of obesity and related conditions, which is a very pressing concern throughout the region.”
