# Predictors of weight and waist gain in US South Asians: Findings from the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Study

## TL;DR

This study identifies factors that predict weight and waist gain in US South Asians, a group at high risk for cardiometabolic issues.

## Contribution

The study provides novel insights into predictors of weight and waist gain specific to US South Asians.

## Key findings

- Older age and diabetes were linked to lower odds of weight gain, while being female and higher adiponectin were linked to higher odds.
- Being single or having higher leptin and C-reactive protein levels were associated with higher odds of waist gain.
- Targeted interventions may benefit subgroups at higher risk for weight and waist gain.

## Abstract

Weight and waist gain are significant concerns in adulthood. Both weight and waist gain are particularly important among South Asians, a high-risk group known to develop chronic cardiometabolic complications at any body mass index compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

The aim of this study was to investigate factors predicting weight and waist gain in a longitudinal cohort of US South Asians, a high-risk group for developing obesity-related complications.

We used data from Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America study (MASALA) exam 1 (2010–2013) and exam 2 (2015–2018), with a mean 4.8 years of follow-up.

Of 634 participants studied (42.7% women, mean age 55 years, BMI 25.7 kg/m2, weight 70.4 kg at exam 1), 34.7% had gained ≥5% weight and 32.3% gained ≥5% waist at exam 2. In the adjusted models, older age, higher number of years of US residence, and having diabetes were associated with lower odds of weight gain; being female and having higher adiponectin were associated with higher odds of weight gain. Being female, employed full or part time, or retired were associated with lower odds of waist gain. Being single, separated/divorced, having a higher leptin and a higher C-reactive protein level were associated with higher odds of waist gain.

South Asian subgroups with higher risk of weight and/or waist gain may benefit from targeted interventions to improve health outcomes.