Waist Circumference

Definition

Waist circumference is a measurement taken around the abdomen at the level of the navel. It's used to assess abdominal obesity and health risks associated with excess fat around the stomach.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Waist circumference is a marker used in clinical settings to assess central adiposity where excess fat is stored in the abdominal region. It provides a rough estimate of visceral fat and is considered an important indicator of metabolic health and risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Benefits

• Helps in assessing the risk of heart disease.
• Important for evaluating the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Aids in the assessment of overall health and fitness.
• Used to monitor changes in body composition.

Examples

Additional Information

• importance: This measurement is crucial for identifying increased health risks associated with high levels of visceral fat, which can lead to serious conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

Related Terms

• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Waist-to-Hip Ratio
• Central Obesity
• Visceral Fat

References

• Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults
• Waist Circumference and Waist–Hip Ratio: Report of a WHO Expert Consultation