Optimal Body Mass Index Range for Patients With Colorectal Cancer—Reply

In Reply We read with interest the Letter by Kim and colleagues suggesting that researchers should be careful in drawing general conclusions about associations between body mass index (BMI) and cancer outcomes given that obesity definitions using BMI may differ in whites vs Asians and Pacific Islanders. Specifically, we agree that analyses should be examined separately by race. In our cohort, we noted nonsignificant associations for linear and nonlinear effects (P > .40) in API participants. Given the smaller numbers of patients in specific race groups, however, it was not possible to draw firm conclusions, but results do support the need to consider race-specific associations in larger studies. We also believe that analyses that examine body composition, rather than just BMI, will help to clarify how obesity influences outcomes in future work. Work will furthermore need to consider how body composition influences mortality in different race groups including whites, blacks, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics.

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