Anthropometric and Blood Pressure Measurement

Weight was measured to the nearest 0.5 kg using a scale with minimal clothing. Height was measured to the nearest 0.5 cm using a non-elastic meter while participants stood barefoot with their shoulders in a neutral position. Waist circumference (WC) was measured at a level midway between the lower rib margin and the iliac crest with a tape measure, and hip circumference was measured at the point of maximum circumference over the buttocks using a non-elastic meter.^{11 (link)} Trained nurses measured blood pressure using the standard protocol defined by the Joint National Committee (JNC-8). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were recorded as the average of the two measures of the first and fifth Korotkoff phases using Omron digital blood pressure monitor.^{12 (link)}