A new waist-to-height ratio predicts abdominal adiposity in adults

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/(BMI2/3 * 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.