2.3.2 Somatometric measurements

Height (cm) and weight (kg) were taken on all the participants with lightweight clothing and without shoes by using an anthropometer rod and weighing machine, respectively. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated using the formula weight in kilogram divided by height in metre square (kg/m²). Individuals with BMI < 18 kg/m² were classified as underweight, 18.0–22.9 kg/m² as normal weight, 23.0–24.9 kg/m² as overweight, and >25 kg/m² as obese (39). Waist circumference (cm) was measured at the least circumference between the lower ribs and the iliac crest. Waist circumference < 80 cm was taken as normal (39). Hip circumference was measured at the buttock yielding the maximum circumference. The waist-hip ratio (WHR) was calculated using the formula waist circumference (cm) divided by the hip circumference (cm) i.e., (W/H). The circumference was measured using non-expandable steel tape. WHR < 0.80 among females was classified as normal (39). Blood pressure (BP) was measured by a mercury sphygmomanometer on each participant thrice at an interval of 5 min, and the average of the three readings was taken as final. Individuals with systolic and diastolic blood pressures < 120 and < 80 mmHg, respectively were classified in the normal category, between 120 and 129 and < 80 mmHg, respectively in the elevated category, between 130 and 139 or 80–89 mmHg, respectively in Stage 1 category, and ≥140 or ≥ 90 mmHg in, respectively Stage 2 category (40).