Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
Traditional anthropometric indices have limitations in characterizing central adiposity and metabolic risk in Asian populations. This study examined the association between weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) and diabetes in Korean adults using nationally representative data. This cross-sectional study analyzed 53,306 participants from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2014 to 2023. WWI was calculated as waist circumference divided by the square root of body weight and categorized into quartiles. Multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed associations between WWI and diabetes, with stratified analyses by age, gender, and renal function. Overall, diabetes prevalence was 14.6%. Diabetic participants had significantly higher WWI (10.9 vs 10.2 cm/√kg, P < .0001). In fully adjusted models, compared to the lowest quartile, odds ratios (ORs) for diabetes were: Q2 = 2.050 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.725–2.435), Q3 = 3.104 (95% CI: 2.600–3.705), and Q4 = 4.050 (95% CI: 3.339–4.914). Stronger associations were observed in women (Q4 (OR) = 5.861) versus men (Q4 OR = 3.215) and in participants < 65 years (Q4 OR = 3.625) versus ≥ 65 years (Q4 OR = 3.173). Associations remained robust after body mass index adjustment and across renal function categories. WWI exhibits strong, dose-dependent associations with diabetes prevalence in Korean adults. Particularly strong associations in women and younger adults suggest these populations may benefit most from WWI-based screening. WWI provides additional predictive information beyond traditional measures and represents a practical tool for diabetes risk stratification.
Ryu et al. (Fri,) studied this question.