ABSTRACT

Our aim was to identify the best anthropometric index associated with waist adiposity. The six weight-status indices included body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHTR), and a new waist-by-height^0.5 ratio (WHT.5R). The association between three waist skinfolds and the six anthropometric indices was conducted using ANCOVA, MANCOVA, allometric modelling and non-linear regression. The strongest predictors of waist adiposity were (1^st) WHT.5R, (2^nd) WHTR, (3^rd) waist circumference (WC), (4^th) BMI, (5^th) WHR, and lastly (6^th) a body shape index ABSI = WC/(BMI^2/3 * height^1/2). The allometric and non-linear regression analyses identified the optimal waist-to-height ratio associated with waist adiposity to be (waist * height ^−0.6). The 95% confidence intervals of the height exponents encompassed −0.5 but excluded −1.0 assumed by WHTR. Assuming that excess waist adiposity is an important cardiovascular risk factor, we recommend that the new WHT.5R be used to advise people how to maintain a “healthy” weight.