WAIST-TO-HIP RATIO IN A BIRACIAL POPULATION - MEASUREMENT, IMPLICATIONS, AND CAUTIONS TOR USING GUIDELINES TO DEFINE HIGH-RISK FOR CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASE

Cutoff points for high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) that may define high r isk for cardiovascular disease have been suggested for men (0.95) and women (0.80). The WHRs of groups defined by age, race, and sex among 3 ,118 South Carolina adults were compared with these cutoff points. Mea surement methodology, mean WHRs, and prevalence of elevated WHR in thi s biracial study population were compared with data from other populat ions. A review of anthropometric measurement methods used in recent ep idemiologic studies indicates that a standard method for measuring wai st and hip girth is required before comparisons of mean levels can be valid. The paucity of evidence that a high WHR is associated with card iovascular disease mortality in black populations, and the high number of women who have an elevated WHR in this and other epidemiologic stu dies, support the following conclusion: Current WHR cutoff points, whi ch are based on evidence from primarily white populations, may not be appropriate for women. older age groups, and some racial or ethnic gro ups in the United States.