Waist Circumference

data type body circumference, health indicator source world health organization (2011) waist circumference and waist hip ratio report of a who expert consultation , geneva, 8 11 december 2008 international diabetes federation alberti, g , zimmet, p z , shaw, j , & grundy, s m (2006) the idf consensus worldwide definition of metabolic syndrome predictors ethnicity, gender, waist circumference data validation externally validated validated against isak risk category low, medium, high cohort south asian, chinese, japanese, south, and central americans united states, europids, middle east, african strengths & weaknesses strength stronger predictor than waist hip ratio due to relative ease weakness (not implemented) it is desirable to obtain real bmi, where possible, and consider the utility of joint use of the two indicators notes measurement location waist circumference is measured at the narrowest point between the top of the hip bone and the lowest palpable rib this is consistent with isak standards risk information a larger waist can be associated with increased risks of disease and mortality, due to higher levels of abdominal fat in the form of visceral adipose tissue waist size is influenced by our genetics and lifestyle conscious and positive changes to diet and exercise can reduce our waist circumference and abdominal fat recommended ranges of waist circumference are presented below for males and females of different ethnicities united states, europids, middle east, african risk males females low < 94 cm < 80 cm medium ≥ 94 cm < 102 cm ≥ 80 cm < 88 cm high ≥ 102 cm ≥ 88 cm low risk the world health organisation defines a male waist circumference of less than 94 cm or a female waist circumference of less than 80 cm as low risk medium risk the world health organisation defines a male waist circumference of more than 94 cm and less than 102 cm, or a female waist circumference of more than 80 cm and less than 88 cm as an increased risk high risk the world health organisation defines a male waist circumference above 102 cm or a female waist circumference above 88 cm as a substantially increased risk south asian, chinese, japanese, south, and central americans risk males females low < 90 cm < 80 cm high ≥ 90 cm ≥ 80 cm low risk the international diabetes federation defines a male waist circumference of less than 90 cm or a female waist circumference of less than 80 cm as low risk high risk the international diabetes federation defines a male waist circumference of more than 90 cm or a female waist circumference of more than 80 cm as an increased risk