Final answer:
Central obesity is where excess body fat is predominantly stored in the abdominal area, leading to an 'apple shape.' It puts individuals at a higher risk for health issues like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Waist-to-hip ratio is used as a diagnostic tool for central obesity.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Central Obesity?
Central obesity is a type of obesity where most of the excess fat is stored in the abdomen. This creates an 'apple shape' appearance and is more concerning because it places individuals at a higher risk for serious health issues compared to fat distributed in other areas, such as around the hips, which would be a 'pear shape.'
Adverse Health Consequences of Central Obesity
People with central obesity are more likely to encounter adverse health consequences such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome includes a range of conditions like high blood pressure, high levels of glucose and triglycerides, and low levels of HDL, or 'good cholesterol.' These conditions collectively increase the risk for many noninfectious diseases, which are leading causes of death.
Furthermore, the measurement of fat distribution, particularly the waist-to-hip ratio, is an important diagnostic tool. A waist-to-hip ratio greater than 0.85 for women or 0.90 for men indicates central obesity. Considering the impacts of lifestyle choices, including diets high in calories and carbohydrates and low activity levels due to technological changes in work, central obesity prevalence has been on the rise.