Final answer:
Women with a waist circumference greater than 35 inches and men with a waist circumference greater than 40 inches are considered to have a high risk of central obesity, which is associated with greater health risks compared to fat stored around the hips.
Step-by-step explanation:
In general, women with a waist circumference greater than 35 inches and men with a waist circumference of greater than 40 inches have a high risk of central obesity. This type of obesity, where fat is stored predominantly in the abdominal area, is associated with a higher risk of adverse health consequences compared to when excess fat is stored around the hips (creating a pear shape). The measurement of waist circumference is a simple yet effective indicator of visceral fat, which releases hormones and inflammatory factors contributing to disease risk.
The waist-to-hip ratio is also a critical measure, providing a better prediction of health risks associated with obesity than Body Mass Index (BMI) alone. For women, a waist-to-hip ratio greater than 0.85 is diagnostic of central obesity, while for men, a ratio greater than 0.90 is indicative of the same condition. These measurements are better predictors of conditions such as heart attacks and metabolic syndrome than BMI.
Additionally, it's crucial to understand that morbid obesity is defined as a BMI of 40 or more, and this classification is associated with serious health complications, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and various forms of cancer. Thus, managing weight and body fat distribution is key for maintaining overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.