Body composition: Waist circumference If the size of your waist, called the circumference, is greater than your hips, you carry more weight above the hips. This means you have a higher risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The risk is even greater for women with waist sizes of 35 inches (89 centimeters) or more.
The average waist size for U.S. women is 38.5 inches, indicating widespread abdominal obesity. Larger waist sizes are linked with increased risks of chronic diseases, like heart disease and diabetes.
CBC.ca: Hip and waist size may play role in heart attack risk for women, study says
Hip and waist size may play role in heart attack risk for women, study says
The Hamilton Spectator: The Big Number: 35-inch or larger waist size linked to increased health risks in older women
The Big Number: 35-inch or larger waist size linked to increased health risks in older women
Indiatimes: What is the average waist size in women, and what it reveals about health risks
Health experts are now looking beyond the scale, placing greater importance on waist size for women's health assessments. A waist measurement of over 35 inches can serve as a warning sign for ...
What is the average waist size in women, and what it reveals about health risks
MSN: What is the average waist size in women, and what it reveals about health risks
Foster's Daily Democrat: 35-inch or larger waist size linked to increased health risks in older women
35-inch or larger waist size linked to increased health risks in older women