What waist circumference threshold indicates increased cardiometabolic risk for women?

• A. 88 cm
• B. 76 cm
• C. 102 cm
• D. 110 cm

Answer: (A)

Waist circumference helps gauge visceral fat and the associated cardiometabolic risk. Abdominal fat tends to be more metabolically active and linked to insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and abnormal lipids, so identifying elevated central adiposity is important for risk assessment.

For women, guidelines identify 88 cm (about 35 inches) as the threshold where risk becomes increased. Reaching or exceeding this value signals higher cardiometabolic risk, even if overall body weight or BMI isn’t very high. This threshold comes from evidence showing stronger links between midsection size and metabolic problems than with BMI alone.

To measure accurately: place a flexible tape measure around the abdomen, midway between the bottom of the rib cage and the top of the hip bone, at the level of the navel. Stand relaxed with feet about shoulder-width apart and measure after normal expiration, keeping the tape horizontal and snug but not compressing the skin.

Another common reference is that the male threshold is higher (around 102 cm) and is not the same for women, while 76 cm is below typical risk cutoffs and 110 cm is above the standard female threshold.