Which anthropometric measure is linked to increased health risks?

Waist circumference is a critical anthropometric measure that is linked to increased health risks because it indicates the amount of visceral fat stored in the abdominal area. Visceral fat is associated with a higher risk for various metabolic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension. By measuring waist circumference, health professionals can assess central obesity, which holds a stronger correlation with these health risks compared to other measures.

In contrast to waist circumference, other measures like body mass index (BMI), hip circumference, and body fat percentage may not offer the same level of specific insight regarding the distribution of fat. While BMI provides a general indication of body weight relative to height, it does not differentiate between fat mass and lean mass. Hip circumference can indicate body shape but is less predictive of metabolic risk compared to waist circumference. Body fat percentage is a valuable measure, yet it doesn't specifically account for the distribution of fat, which is crucial for evaluating health risks. Thus, waist circumference remains the key measure linked closely to elevated health risks.