Waist and hip circumferences have independent and opposite effects on cardiovascular disease risk factors: the Quebec Family Study

Background: A high waist-to-hip ratio is associated with unfavorable cardio vascular disease risk factors. This could be due to either a relatively lar ge waist or a small hip girth. Objective: We sought to define the separate contributions of waist girth, h ip girth, and body mass index (Bluff) to measures of bod composition, fat d istribution, and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Design: Three-hundred thirteen men and 382 women living in the greater Queb ec City area were involved in this cross-sectional study. Percentage body f at, anthropometric measurements, and abdominal fat distribution were obtain ed and BMI (in kg/m(2)) and waist-to-hip ratio were calculated. Serum blood lipids were determined from blood samples collected after subjects had fas ted overnight Results: A large waist circumference in men and women (adjusted for age, BM I, and hip circumference) was associated significantly with low HDL-cholest erol concentrations (P<0.05) and high fasting triacylglycerol, insulin, and glucose concentrations (P<0.01). In women alone, a large waist circumferen ce was also associated with high LDL-cholesterol concentrations and blood p ressure. A narrow hip circumference (adjusted for age, BMI, and waist circu mference) was associated with low HDL-cholesterol and high glucose concentr ations in men (P<0.05) and high triacylglycerol and insulin concentrations in men and women (P<0.05). Waist and hip girths showed different relations to body fat, fat-free mass, and visceral fat accumulation. Conclusions: Waist and hip circumferences measure different aspects of body composition and fat distribution and have independent and often opposite e ffects on cardiovascular disease risk factors. A narrow waist and large hip s may both protect against cardiovascular disease. These specific effects o f each girth measure are poorly captured in the waist-to-hip ratio.