Relationship between body weight and somatological factors by sex and age

To determine the relationship between relative body weight and the somatological factors of blood pressure, serum lipid, liver function and blood sugar by sexage groups, and to evaluate the effectiveness of BMI as a screening index for abnormality in blood tests, we studied cross-sectional health examination data drawn from a population consisting of 6,989 officials aged 18-65 years in municipalities in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan. Results showed the association between body mass index (BMI) and somatological factors is very strong in young adult males, but weak in middle-aged males. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that BMI is valid in screening for blood test abnormalities in young adult males. From these results, BMI was found to be a comprehensive parameter of health status and an efficient screening index for blood tests in young adult males. The intervention in obesity appears to be a most advisable goal in primary prevention in young adult males.