Final answer:
The waist-to-hip ratio is the measure most closely correlated with obesity-associated disease risk, surpassing BMI and waist circumference, due to its focus on the distribution of body fat.
Step-by-step explanation:
The measure of obesity that correlates best with obesity-associated disease risk is waist-to-hip ratio. This metric outperforms other measures like BMI (Body Mass Index), skinfold thickness, and even waist circumference alone in predicting risk, as it specifically accounts for the distribution of body fat. Having a higher proportion of abdominal fat (an apple-shaped body) is associated with greater risks for chronic diseases. The waist-to-hip ratio is calculated by dividing the waist circumference by the hip circumference. A waist-to-hip ratio greater than 0.90 for males and above 0.85 for females or a waist circumference greater than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women are indicative of excessive abdominal fat, which is associated with higher disease risks.
While BMI is a common measure to categorize weight status, it does not account for fat distribution and thus may not accurately reflect an individual's health risks. For this reason, health professionals might prefer to use waist-to-hip ratio measurements to gain a more precise understanding of obesity-related health risks.