One of the most important dimensions of obesity is abdominal (abdominal) fat in the body. Therefore, it is one of the measurement methods we use to evaluate obesity.
In six studies where waist circumference was measured in our country, the average waist circumference was calculated to be 89.7 cm for women and 93.6 cm for men. Although these values are higher than the limit value (88 cm) defined as above normal for the American people in women and relatively lower (102 cm) in men, they are higher than the upper limit values (80 cm in women) recommended by the International Diabetes Association (IDF) for the people of Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. , 94 cm in men) is significantly high especially in women, and right at the border in men.
In our country, the prevalence of abdominal obesity was found to be 51% in women and 21% in men. This finding shows that Turkish women have more male-pattern fat than standard obesity.
So, how many cm should our waist circumference be?
When defining obesity, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) specifically focuses on the population. suggested the use of specific waist circumference cut-off points. IDF recommends that regional values be taken into account in societies where this data is not available (Image 2 includes values that vary from society to society).
In the Obesity and Diagnosis and Treatment guide prepared in 2018;
Turkish It has been stated that the values used for waist circumference measurement in society (the figures determined by Europe for central obesity are used
>80 cm for women, >94 cm for men) do not properly reflect the characteristics and risk profile of the Turkish society.
According to TURDEP data, one of the studies conducted for the Turkish society, waist circumference is >96cm in men and >90cm in women
In the study conducted by the Turkish Endocrinology and Metabolism Association (TEMD). >100cm in men and >90cm in women have been recommended as abdominal obesity criteria.
As a result, the waist circumference values recommended to be used in our country according to this guide are;
In women; Overweight >80cm, Obese >90cm
In men; Recommendations have been made as Overweight>90cm, Obese>100cm.
Resources:
Tur k Kardiol Dern Ars 2018;46(7):577-590 doi: 10.5543/tkda.2018.62200
Obesity Diagnosis and Treatment Guide, 2018
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