This paper summarizes the monumental work conducted by a panel of experts on the measurement of waist circumference. The panel, chaired by Professor Robert Ross, performed a systematic review of published studies to examine whether the procedure used to measure waist circumference influences the relationship of this anthropometric measurement to morbidity from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes and to all cause and CVD mortality. After an extensive analysis of the available literature, the panel concluded that the waist circumference measurement protocol had no major influence on the association between waist circumference, all cause and cardiovascular mortality, CVD, and diabetes. The panel was therefore unable to recommend a single waist circumference measurement protocol over other protocols for the prediction of health risk. In view of practical considerations and the need to promote reliable measurement of waist circumference by both the lay public and health professionals, the panel recommended that either the WHO or NIH protocols be recognized as the optimal measurement procedures since both are based on bony landmarks.
Documentation centre