Using a waist size of 86.5 cm instead of 102 cm in men with spinal cord injuries better identifies who has obesity based on body fat percentage, catching more true cases (68.8% vs 6.3%) while still correctly identifying most non-obese people (90% vs 100%).
Scientific Claim
In men with chronic spinal cord injury, a waist circumference cutoff of 86.5 cm is associated with higher sensitivity (68.8%) and specificity (90%) for obesity classification based on percentage body fat mass ≥30% compared to the general population cutoff of 102 cm (sensitivity 6.3%, specificity 100%).
Original Statement
“Relative to percentage body fat mass, the general population WC cutoff point of 102 cm had a sensitivity of 6.3% and specificity of 100% both which changed to 68.8% and 90%, respectively, with a SCI specific cutoff point of 86.5 cm.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study is observational and demonstrates associations, so using 'associated with' is appropriate. No causation is claimed.