A. Grandinetti et al., Prevalence of overweight and central adiposity is associated with percentage of indigenous ancestry among native Hawaiians, INT J OBES, 23(7), 1999, pp. 733-737
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.