Waist circumference, waist–hip ratio and body mass index and their correlation with cardiovascular disease risk factors in Australian adults

Abstract. Objectives. To compare body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and waist–hip ratio (WHR) as indices of obesity and assess the respective associations with type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Design and setting. A national sample of 11 247 Australians aged ≥25 years was examined in 2000 in a cross‐sectional survey. Main outcome measures. The examination included a fasting blood sample, standard 2‐h 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test, blood pressure measurements and questionnaires to assess treatment for dyslipidaemia and hypertension. BMI, waist circumference and WHR were measured to assess overweight and obesity. Results. The prevalence of obesity amongst Australian adults defined by…

• UD
  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• EL
  Eli Lilly and Company
• QH
  Queensland Health
• MS
  Menzies School of Health Research
• DA
  Diabetes Australia
• KH
  Kidney Health Australia
• S
  Servier
• MI
  Menzies Institute for Medical Research
• TD
  Tasmanian Department of Health
• C
  Cilag