Community-Based BMI Screening for Overweight and Obesity in Adults Aged 35 Years and Older in Malaysia: Regression Discontinuity Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for numerous chronic diseases, requiring effective prevention and intervention strategies. Community-based BMI screening may enhance awareness of weight status, but its effectiveness remains uncertain.

Objective

This study aimed to rigorously evaluate the long-term causal effects of community-based BMI screening with a light-touch intervention in Malaysia using a regression discontinuity design (RDD).

Methods

Using data from 2 waves (2013 and 2018) of a Malaysian population-based cohort study (N=6561), we applied a sharp RDD to estimate the causal effects of community-based BMI screening on health outcomes for individuals near the BMI threshold. Participants were aged 35 years or older and completed both follow-

SUBMITTER: Chen W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12756664 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature