Ways of Coping Checklist (WCCL)

Abstract

Synonyms Girth Definition Waist circumference (WC) is considered a measure of the relative health risk associated with excess abdominal fat. Abdominal fat contains higher amounts of visceral fat, a fat that is produced by the liver, turned into ▶ cholesterol, and released into the bloodstream where it can form plaque on artery walls. Excess abdominal fat is associated with high ▶ cholesterol, ▶ high blood pressure, and ▶ cardiovascular disease. Waist circumference may be a better indicator of obesity-related diseases than ▶ body mass index (BMI) (Cawley, 2006), especially among certain populations (e.g., elderly persons). Certain ethnic groups are genetically predisposed to store more fat in the abdomen, even at healthy weights (e.g., non-Hispanic blacks, people of Asian descent). It is measured by first locating the upper hipbone and lowest rib, followed by placing the end of a measuring tape between these two points and wrapping horizontally around the abdomen. Men with a waist circumference greater than 102 cm (40 in.) and women with a waist circumference exceeding 88 cm (35 in.) are considered to be at increased risk for developing obesity-related health problems, including type II ▶ diabetes, ▶ hypertension, and ▶ cardiovascu-lar disease.