Prehypertension, Hypertension, and Their Association With Weight-Adjusted Waist Index in Normoglycemic Japanese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE

Obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, and diabetes significantly increase hypertension risk. Previous studies across various populations have linked the weight-adjusted waist index (WWI)-a key indicator for assessing obesity-to hypertension. However, this relationship remains unclear specifically in non-diabetic populations, particularly normoglycemic individuals. Focusing on normoglycemic Japanese adults, the present study explored the correlation of WWI with prehypertension or hypertension.

METHODS

Data sourced from the program for medical screening at Murakami Memorial Hospital (Japan) were subjected to secondary analysis, which included 15,464 participants. To quantify the relationship of the WWI with prehypertension (pre-HTN) or hypertension (HTN), multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were further applied to evaluate the dose-response relationship of WWI with the two outcomes. Subgroup analyses were also conducted.

RESULTS

Among 15,453 normoglycemic Japanese adults, the mean WWI increased progressively across blood pressure categories (normal < prehypertension < hypertension). Following adjustment for key confounding variables, WWI was independently correlated with prehypertension (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.39-1.61, p < 0.001) and hypertension (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.51-2.00, p < 0.001). Curve Fitting confirmed a linear, monotonic positive correlation of WWI with both outcomes (all p values for non-linearity tests > 0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed a stronger association between WWI and prehypertension in females, individuals without fatty liver disease, and current smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated a positive linear correlation of WWI with both prehypertension and hypertension risk in normoglycemic Japanese individuals.