Scaling waist girth for differences in body size reveals a new improved index associated with cardiometabolic risk

Our aim was to examine whether a new ratio, waist divided by height0.5 (WHT.5R), is both independent of stature and a stronger predictor of cardiometabolic risk (CMR) than other anthropometric indices. Subjects (4117 males and 646 females), aged 20-69 years, were assessed for stature (cm), mass (kg), waist and hip girths (cm) from which, body mass index (BMI), Waist to Hip ratio (WHR), Waist to Height ratio (WHTR) and two new indices, a body shape index (ABSI) and WHT.5R were determined. We used the allometric power law, W=a.HTb, to obtain a simple body-shape index for waist girth (W) to be independent of stature (HT). Physical activity was determined using self-report and physical fitness was determined using the Bruce protocol. Glucose, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and TC/HDL ratio were determined from fasting venous blood samples. A single CMR composite score was derived from log transformed z-scores of: Triglycerides + average blood pressure ((diastolic + systolic)/2) + glucose + HDL (*-1). Results confirmed WHT.5R to be independent of stature and the strongest predictor of CMR, compared to BMI, WC, WHR, ABSI and WHTR. We also found that CMR scores decline significantly with increasing fitness and physical activity, confirming that being fit and active can compensate for the adverse effects of being fat as measured by all other anthropometric indices. In conclusion, WHT.5R was the best anthropometric index associated with CMR, and being both physically fit and active has a protective effect on CMR, irrespective of weight status. Publisher Statement: This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Nevill, AM, Duncan, MJ, Lahart, I & Sandercock, G 2016, 'Scaling waist girth for differences in body size reveals a new improved index associated with cardiometabolic risk' Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, vol 27, no. 11, pp. 1470-1476, which has been published in final form at [Link to final article using the DOI]. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.