What waist circumference is considered indicative of obesity in women?

The waist circumference considered indicative of obesity in women is more than 35 inches. This threshold is significant because it helps identify those at higher risk for obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension.

Waist circumference is a crucial measure because it provides insight into central adiposity, which is an important risk factor for metabolic syndrome. Women with a waist measurement over 35 inches may have a higher amount of visceral fat, which is more metabolically active and linked to greater health risks compared to subcutaneous fat found in other areas of the body.

Setting the threshold at 35 inches aligns with guidelines established by healthcare organizations, making it a widely recognized standard used in clinical practice for assessing obesity in women. Thus, recognizing and addressing obesity at this waist circumference can be an important part of preventive health strategies and management plans.