Waist circumference is a good predictor of the amount of fat located in the central area, which essentially means fat stored inside the abdominal cavity and around the vital organs.
This can carry a serious health risk as the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, some types of cancer and type II diabetes rises with each increase in waist circumference measurement.
Different standards for waist circumference measurement exist around the world due to gender and ethnic origin differences.
The Ashwell Shape Chart developed by Dr Ashwell, helps identify your body shape in relation to your waist circumference and height measurement and the associated risks.
Brown 'Take Care' Area
This is identified as a tall thin 'chilli' type of shape. If body weight is lower than it should be, this is not desirable for good health, as it can carry health risks. Having a limited energy intake can lead to a low vitamin and mineral intake, which could result in developing conditions such as anaemia, menstruation problems, osteoporosis, coughs and colds due to a weakened immune system and possible fertility problems.
Green 'OK' Area
This is identified as having a healthy 'pear' shape, where the fat distribution is located just under the skin and around the bottom, hips and thighs. This is thought to be the optimum body shape as body fat is limited around the central area - where it incurs a greater health risk.
Amber 'Take Care' Area
This is the 'pear-apple' shape, which means fat distribution is predominantly around the central area as well as just under the skin and around the bottom, hips and thighs. This is beginning to carry health risks as fat around the central area will be developing inside the abdominal cavity around vital organs carrying a higher risk of developing diseases such as cardiovascular disease, some types of cancer and type II diabetes.
Red 'Action' Area
This is the most commonly seen 'apple' body shape. Excess body fat is stored both under the skin and in the abdominal cavity around vital organs, demonstrated by an increase in waist circumference. This carries a serious health risk as the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, some types of cancer and type II diabetes rises with each increase in waist circumference.
