Waist circumference (WC) is a measure of central adiposity is associated with many diseases as well as a shorter lifespan. Data from a large longitudinal nutrition study of 105,000 adults over age 50 has found all-cause mortality strongly associated with WC. Mortality risk for men with WC greater than 47.5 inches was twice as high as those with waists less than 35.4 inches. Women who had WC greater than 43.3 inches had almost 2.4 times higher risk compared to those with waists 29.5 inches or less. For each 4″ increase in WC in both men and women risk increased by at least 20%.
PositiveTip: One of the most important things you can do to lower your chances of dying early is to attain and maintain a healthy weight.