At what waist-to-hip ratio is the risk for cardiovascular disease typically considered high for men?

A waist-to-hip ratio of 0.90 is generally considered an important threshold for assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease in men. This ratio is a measure of the distribution of body fat, where circumference measurements of the waist and hips are compared. A higher ratio indicates a greater concentration of fat around the abdomen relative to the hips, which is associated with an increased risk of metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular issues.

In various studies and guidelines, a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.90 or higher for men is commonly recognized as a marker for elevated cardiovascular risk. Maintaining a waist-to-hip ratio below this level is often recommended to lower health risks associated with obesity and fat distribution, particularly visceral fat that surrounds internal organs.

The effectiveness of waist-to-hip ratio as a predictive tool lies in its simplicity and ability to provide insight into body fat distribution, which is more significant for health risks than overall body weight or body mass index (BMI) alone. Therefore, a ratio of 0.90 is a critical point where intervention may become necessary to reduce associated health risks.