Publications

Journal Article Epublish

PubMed: 40421317 DOI: 10.2147/COPD.S513853

Weight-Adjusted Waist Index as a Novel Predictor of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Evidence from NHANES 2013-2018.

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 20:1625-1638

Authors: Hongjin Wang, Weiming Chen, Feilong Guo, Zengkai Xu, Xin Luo, Jiahuang Wu, Yong Zhu, Zhisheng Wang

Affiliations

  • Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, People's Republic of China.
  • Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China.

Abstract

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major global health burden. The weight-adjusted waist index (WWI), a novel adiposity metric, may improve COPD risk prediction, but its association remains underexplored.

Methods

Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2018 data (n=15,278), we assessed the WWI-COPD relationship via multivariable logistic regression, ROC analysis, and subgroup evaluations.

Results

Higher WWI tertiles correlated with elevated COPD incidence. After full adjustment, each WWI unit increase linked to 70% higher COPD risk (OR=1.70, 95% CI: 1.48-1.95). Participants in the highest quartile of WWI faced a 290% increased risk compared to the lowest quartile (OR=3.90, 95% CI: 2.60-5.86). WWI (AUC=0.707) outperformed BMI (AUC=0.525) and waist circumference (AUC=0.609) in COPD prediction. A nonlinear threshold effect emerged at WWI=12.54. Subgroup analyses confirmed robustness across demographics.

Conclusion

WWI is a simple, cost-effective tool for early COPD detection, outperforming BMI and waist circumference, especially in resource-limited settings, enabling timely intervention and reducing disease burden.

MeSH

Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive, Obesity, Lung Diseases, Waist Circumference, Lung Diseases, Obstructive