What waist-to-hip ratio indicates an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease?

A waist-to-hip ratio of 0.86 is generally considered to indicate an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, particularly in women. This ratio takes into account the distribution of body fat, which is a crucial factor in assessing health risks.

When the waist circumference is larger relative to the hip circumference, it suggests a higher accumulation of visceral fat, which is known to be more metabolically active and associated with inflammation and other cardiovascular risk factors. Research shows that women with a waist-to-hip ratio above 0.85 tend to have a heightened risk for conditions like heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.

In contrast, lower waist-to-hip ratios, such as 0.70 or 0.80, generally reflect a healthier distribution of body fat and are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular issues. A ratio like 0.90 may indicate increased risk but is typically on the threshold for concern and varies based on individual health profiles and other risk factors. Therefore, a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.86 serves as an important indicator for health professionals assessing cardiovascular risk in women.