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Association Between Betel Nut Chewing and Body Mass Index: A Cross-Sectional Study in Guam

Author

Listed:
  • Michelle Nagata

    (Population Sciences in the Pacific, University of Hawai’i Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA)

  • Lindsey E. Merifield

    (Population Sciences in the Pacific, University of Hawai’i Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA)

  • Gabriela Cruz-Mattos

    (Population Sciences in the Pacific, University of Hawai’i Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA)

  • Allen Oamil

    (Population Sciences in the Pacific, University of Hawai’i Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA)

  • Xavier Heidelberg

    (Population Sciences in the Pacific, University of Hawai’i Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA)

  • Gertraud Maskarinec

    (Population Sciences in the Pacific, University of Hawai’i Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA)

  • Thaddeus A. Herzog

    (Population Sciences in the Pacific, University of Hawai’i Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA)

  • Yurii B. Shvetsov

    (Population Sciences in the Pacific, University of Hawai’i Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA)

  • Yvette C. Paulino

    (School of Health, University of Guam, 303 University Drive, Mangilao, GU 96913, USA)

  • Brenda Y. Hernandez

    (Population Sciences in the Pacific, University of Hawai’i Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA)

Abstract

Areca nut/betel quid (AN/BQ), a stimulant consumed across the Asia and Pacific region, has been associated with metabolic risks including obesity. This study investigated the association between AN/BQ use and obesity in Guam. Participants included 120 men and women 18+ years old. Recruitment and interviews were conducted at a central dental clinic in Guam between July 2013 and October 2014. Multivariate general linear models were utilized to estimate the association of AN/BQ chewing with body mass index (BMI). Of the participants with a mean BMI of 30.4 (SD 6.9) kg/m 2 , 82.5% reported ever chewing AN/BQ. The mean adjusted BMI among AN/BQ chewers was 4.53 kg/m 2 (95% CI 1.19, 7.87) higher than among non-chewers in the minimally adjusted model; 4.72 kg/m 2 (95% CI 1.09, 8.35) higher with additional adjustment for annual household income, tobacco smoking, and alcohol use (n = 108); and non-significantly higher by 0.55 kg/m 2 (95% CI −3.92, 5.02) after additional adjustment for ethnicity. Although AN/BQ chewing was not associated with BMI after considering ethnicity, our results do not exclude the possibility that AN/BQ chewing can be considered a risk factor for obesity.

Suggested Citation

  • Michelle Nagata & Lindsey E. Merifield & Gabriela Cruz-Mattos & Allen Oamil & Xavier Heidelberg & Gertraud Maskarinec & Thaddeus A. Herzog & Yurii B. Shvetsov & Yvette C. Paulino & Brenda Y. Hernandez, 2025. "Association Between Betel Nut Chewing and Body Mass Index: A Cross-Sectional Study in Guam," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(7), pages 1-10, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:7:p:1006-:d:1687788
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