Final answer:
Waist circumference is a critical indicator for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. An elevated waist-to-hip ratio suggests central obesity, which is linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases. This measure is more predictive of disease risk than BMI alone due to the unique properties of visceral fat.
Step-by-step explanation:
Waist circumference is an important indicator for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and certain types of cancer, among others. This measurement is particularly significant in the context of abdominal obesity, where excess fat is stored around the waist rather than the hips. This form of fat distribution gives an individual an apple shape, which is associated with higher health risks compared to a pear shape, where fat is stored around the hips. Visceral fat, found in the abdominal cavity, releases hormones and inflammatory factors that contribute to disease risk. Studies show that individuals with a higher waist-to-hip ratio have a greater likelihood of experiencing chronic diseases, compared to those with larger hip circumferences relative to their waist.
To measure this ratio, the circumference of the waist is divided by the circumference of the hips. Men with a waist-to-hip ratio greater than 0.90 and women with a ratio greater than 0.85 are diagnosed with central obesity. High waist circumference readings, specifically greater than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women, are predictors of greater health risks. Hence, waist circumference, and particularly the waist-to-hip ratio, serve as a better predictor of mortality and disease risk than body mass index (BMI) alone.