Waist Circumference

Waist circumference, measured in inches at either the narrowest part of the torso or the navel, assesses abdominal body fat composition. [25] [26] Elevated values may indicate abdominal obesity and high “visceral adiposity”, meaning fat around the organs, both strong indicators for metabolic and cardiovascular health. [27] [28]

[25]Ross R, Neeland IJ, Yamashita S, et al. Waist circumference as a vital sign in clinical practice: a Consensus Statement from the IAS and ICCR Working Group on Visceral Obesity. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2020;16(3):177-189. doi:10.1038/s41574-019-0310-7

[26]UK Biobank. Waist and Hip Measurement Version 1.0. Published online April 15, 2011. https://biobank.ctsu.ox.ac.uk/crystal/ukb/docs/Waisthip.pdf

[27]Shuster A, Patlas M, Pinthus JH, Mourtzakis M. The clinical importance of visceral adiposity: a critical review of methods for visceral adipose tissue analysis. Br J Radiol. 2012;85(1009):1-10. doi:10.1259/bjr/38447238

[28]Bosomworth NJ. Normal-weight central obesity. Can Fam Physician. 2019;65(6):399-408.