Prevalence of overweight and central adiposity is associated with percentage of indigenous ancestry among native Hawaiians

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship of percentage of indigenous ancestry with body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) among Native Hawaii ans. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, observational study among 567 rural native Hawai ian men and women, aged 30 or older, enrolled between 1993-96. MEASUREMENTS: Ancestry was assessed by self-report, and was verified with a brief genealogical interview. Anthropometric measurements, as well as diet ary and physical activity histories were also obtained. RESULTS: Percentage Hawaiian ancestry was significantly associated with inc reased body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), and age. The associ ation between percentage Hawaiian ancestry and both anthropometric measures persisted after adjusting for age, leisure time physical activity and tota l dietary energy intake. CONCLUSION: Obesity and central adiposity were highly prevalent among Hawai ians participating in this study. The association between BMI and WHR with percentage Hawaiian ancestry, unexplained by differences in diet and physic al activity, suggests genetic factors play an important role in the high pr evalence of obesity observed among Native Hawaiians.