lost productivity + direct medical spending (Milken Institute)
BMI AS DOMINANT TOOL
Since 1990s
primary clinical screening metric in U.S. policy
CONDITIONS WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE PREDICTS
3
type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome
Predictive strength index — waist circumference vs. BMI across cardiometabolic conditions
Waist Circumference
BMI
Clinical Risk Thresholds (AHA / NHLBI)
WOMEN
35"
(88 cm) high-risk threshold
MEN
40"
(102 cm) high-risk threshold
Index values are illustrative of directional findings from AHA, WHO, and published meta-analyses. Not derived from a single clinical trial. Higher score indicates stronger independent predictive association with the condition.