Edinburgh Napier University

  Obesity-related chronic illness is an international health issue. Waist
circumference can assess central adiposity, which is strongly
associated with cardiovascular disease and type two diabetes
mellitus. Aim: This study evaluates the effectiveness of waist
circumference in comparison to body mass index as measured at
different locations in adults with cardiovascular disease or type two
diabetes mellitus, and responsiveness of these measures to weight
change. Results: All measures were significantly correlated with body
mass index (r>0.80), with the strongest correlations measured at
midline between lowest rib and top of iliac crest in females (r=0.89),
and measured at widest level for males (r=0.83). All sites were
accurate in detecting high cardiovascular disease risk (AUC>0.80).
The site most responsive to weight change was at midline in females
and at narrowest level in males. Conclusion: A general protocol for
waist circumference should be established for assessing visceral fat,
predicting cardiovascular disease risks and monitoring weight change.