Evaluation of Alternative Anthropometric Indices for Supporting Body Mass Index in Obesity Screening.Among Predominantly Female Tertiary Students

Abstract

Given the rising prevalence of obesity and its associated health complications, including metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, this study ‎addresses a critical research gap concerning the most reliable indices that support Body Mass Index (BMI) for early obesity screening ‎among young adults. The objectives examine students’ sociodemographic characteristics and anthropometric parameters, explore correlations among obesity indices, evaluate sensitivity and specificity in predicting obesity, and identify the most effective indicators by gender ‎and age group. A cross-sectional research design is adopted, involving a sample of 219 students selected through stratified random sampling. Data is collected using structured questionnaires and physical measurements, and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. The findings reveal that in terms of support for Body Mass Index (BMI) in ‎screening for obesity, the Body Adiposity Index (BAI) and Waist-to-Height Ratio (WaHtR) exhibit strong correlations and high diagnostic ‎accuracy, whereas the Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WaHpR). The study concludes that a combined use of BAI, WaHtR, BMI, and CI tailored to ‎gender differences offers a robust method for early obesity detection. It is recommended that universities institutionalize routine health ‎screenings utilizing these indices, enhance awareness of obesity-related risks, and promote healthy lifestyle behaviors among students to ‎curb the increasing burden of obesity‎.