Final answer:
Waist circumference is principally used to assess the risk for cardiovascular diseases by measuring the amount of visceral fat, which is associated with increased health risks. The waist-to-hip ratio is also a key measurement for determining health risks, with higher ratios indicating a greater risk of chronic disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Waist circumference is used to determine the risk for cardiovascular diseases and other health risks related to obesity, particularly abdominal obesity. This measurement is significant in assessing the amount of visceral fat, which is the fat stored within the abdominal cavity around the organs. Visceral fat is known to release hormones and inflammatory factors that can contribute to increased disease risk. Men with waist circumference greater than 40 inches and women greater than 35 inches are considered at greater health risk.
The waist-to-hip ratio is an additional measurement that is used to assess health risks, and it is often considered a better measure than waist circumference alone. This ratio is calculated by dividing the waist circumference by the hip circumference. Observational studies have found that people with higher ratios (indicating more weight around the waist, or an "apple-shaped" body) have a higher risk for chronic disease compared to those with lower ratios (indicating more weight around the hips, or a "pear-shaped" body).
It’s important to note that while waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio are useful tools for determining health risk, they do not measure body fat percentage directly nor do they diagnose specific conditions on their own. These measurements are part of a series of assessments that healthcare professionals use to evaluate an individual's health status and potential risk factors for developing chronic diseases.