Final answer:
Increased midsection girth is concerning because it signifies central obesity and is linked to higher risks of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Methods such as waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio measurement are important in assessing this risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
Increased midsection girth with age is a concern because C. it is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases. This type of body fat distribution is known as central obesity, where most of the excess body fat is stored in the abdomen rather than the hips. Central obesity is a significant health concern because it is closely linked to a higher risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome.
Measuring waist circumference and calculating the waist-to-hip ratio are two methods used to assess the risk associated with central obesity. A higher waist-to-hip ratio indicates a higher concentration of visceral fat, which is a strong predictor of disease risk compared to total body fat mass. Therefore, maintaining a healthy midsection girth and a lower waist-to-hip ratio is crucial for reducing the risk of chronic health issues.