Researchers from the University of Leicester have published a major study in PLoS One, a journal of the Public Library of Science, calling for a recalculation of obesity levels amongst South Asians. The researchers from the University’s Departments of Health Sciences and Cardiovascular Sciences are arguing the case to redefine the point at which South Asians should be classed as obese.

More and more South Asians worldwide are under increased risk of developing diabetes and heart disease and also develop these chronic diseases at an earlier age. Study findings reveal that the obesity markers for waist circumference and BMI for obesity in migrant South Asians needs to be substantially lower.

In a study funded by the Department of Health, Dr Laura Gray together with Professors Kamlesh Khunti and Melanie Davies conducted a study with data from more than 6,000 participants who were screened for Type 2 diabetes in Leicester. The analysis was undertaken as part of the work of the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (NIHR CLAHRC) in Leicestershire, Northampton and Rutland (LNR) who bring together all major commissioners and healthcare services providers in the region in a partnership with the principal academic institution.

Funding for this unique collaboration between NHS trusts and the University of Leicester is supplied by the NIHR. As part of a five-year program the collaboration develops research capacity and capability within local healthcare organizations and ensures a fast and effective implementation of the knowledge obtained from research studies.

Professor Khunti, Professor of Primary Care Diabetes and Vascular Medicine at the University of Leicester explained:

“Our study shows that the conventional definition of obesity (BMI 30 kg/m2) needs to be lowered in migrant South Asians to detect equivalent levels of cardiovascular risk, based on levels of glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol. Our study suggests that migrant South Asians should be classed as obese and therefore at high risk of developing diabetes based on a BMI of between 23-28 kg/m2.”

In addition to the obesity markers, the researchers also define similar lower markers for waist circumference.

Professor Khunti commented:

“This is the first study to reassess obesity definitions in a migrant UK south Asian population and could have important clinical implications.

This research has huge implications globally for screening strategies for south Asians based on BMI and waist circumference cut-points. We need to lower these cut-points when screening for diabetes and cardiovascular disease in these groups.”

Written by Petra Rattue