Linking Somatotype to NCD Risk: Biological Anthropology and SDG 3

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rising rapidly in northeastern India, posing a major public health concern. In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, this study examines the relationship between somatotype components (Endomorphy, Mesomorphy, and Ectomorphy) and selected NCD risk markers, while exploring variations across sex, age, and socio-demographic groups.
This cross-sectional study was conducted among Hindu Bengali adults (n = 990) aged 20 years and above in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam. Data collected included anthropometric measurements for somatotype calculation (Heath-Carter method), blood pressure, random blood glucose, lifestyle practices, and socioeconomic indicators. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, chi-square, ANOVA, multivariate logistic regression and MANOVA in SPSS software version 26.
Results revealed significant sex differences in age, blood pressure, glucose levels, and somatotype components (p < .01). Somatotype showed significant correlations with age and NCD indicators. Chi-square analyses indicated strong associations between somatotype category and high blood pressure, elevated glucose, and obesity (p < .01). Logistic regression identified somatotype, age, occupation, and socioeconomic status as significant predictors of NCD risk, while MANOVA confirmed the combined influence of sex, age, and somatotype on NCD markers (p < .001).
Overall, somatotype emerged as a consistent predictor of hypertension, hyperglycaemia, and obesity. The findings emphasize the importance of body-type-informed, population-specific interventions for early detection and targeted prevention of NCDs, thereby advancing progress toward SDG 3 in the Brahmaputra Valley region.