Waist circumference percentiles in Hispanics aged 18–102 years

SummaryBackground & aimsThe assessment of obesity and of excess through the pattern of total body fat distribution, measured through the waist circumference, and its use as a clinical marker have been recommended. The aim of this study was to classify the waist circumference (WC) percentile values according to age and gender, in a population-based sample of Venezuelan adults.Materials and methodsThe WC values percentile in a sample of 4600 healthy adults (2182 men and 2418 women) aged 18–102, from Caracas. The percentile curves were derived using the Cole’s LMS method. The statistical significance between percentile pairs (p < 0.05) a Wilcoxon Test was applied.ResultsThe existence of significant differences for the WC for the group studied by gender and age groups are evidenced (p < 0.05). The mean values for the WC for the total group in men and in women were 82.8 ± 9.8 cm and 74.9 ± 10.8 cm, respectively.ConclusionsThe percentile distribution of the WC in Venezuelan adults can be used to diagnose and assess abdominal obesity, in clinical practice as well as in public health. However, new researches would be necessary to support the definition of the cut-off points separated by age and gender.