Work

Effect of obesity on multi-morbidity among adults in Yili, Xinjiang: a retrospective cohort study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective This study investigates the prevalence of multi-morbidity, defined as the coexistence of two or more of three common chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia—and assesses the effect of obesity on multi-morbidity among multi-ethnic populations in Xinjiang, northwest China, aiming to develop tailored prevention strategies for NCDs. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 62 172 adults from 2018 to 2023. Restricted cubic spline curves were used to explore the dose-response effect between body mass index (BMI)/waist circumference (WC) and the incidence of multi-morbidity. Results Over 6 years, the incidence rates of multi-morbidity in our study increased significantly from 24.48% to 29.24%. The multi-morbidity rates in Hui and Uyghur ethnic populations were lower than those in Han Chinese. The HRs of central obesity on the incidence of multi-morbidity were 1.34 (1.29–1.39), whereas obesity was 1.50 (1.43–1.57). Both BMI and WC were non-linearly associated with the incidence of multi-morbidity. BMI showed a stronger association among Han Chinese, while WC had a greater effect on ethnic minorities. Conclusions Obesity significantly contributed to the development of multi-morbidity, with varied impacts across ethnic groups. Prevention and control strategies should prioritise BMI for Han Chinese and WC for ethnic minorities. This study highlighted the need for ethnicity-specific approaches to reduce the burden of multi-morbidity.

Source: BMJ Open

DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-102146