The norm of two anthropometric indices in women in Isfahan

Abstract

Introduction: Two simple anthropometric indices for estimating body fat distribution are waist circumference (WC) and waist to hip ratio (WHR). Especially in recent years, these indices are preferred to other ones, because they are cheap to evaluate, easy to use at home or health centers, simple to calculate and highly accurate. The present research was conducted to determine the norm of WC and WHR indices in women of reproductive ages in Isfahan.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The samples were 740 people in Isfahan. They were selected by cluster random sampling and invited to 10 health centers. In this research, the evaluation instruments were questionnaire and standard meter tape. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS software and descriptive statistical methods.

Results: Results indicated that the mean, median and standard deviation of WC in women of 19 to 53 year-old were 84.62, 84 and 10.32 cm, respectively. The minimum and maximum of WC were 60 and 126 cm, respectively. Also the mean, median and standard deviation of WHR were 0.82, 0.82 and 5.91, respectively. The minimum and maximum of WHR were 0.63 and 0.99, respectively. Therefore, the median of women WC index in Isfahan is 84 cm and the median of their WHR is 0.82.

Conclusion: Comparing the norm of WC and WHR indices in women in Isfahan with the norms of these indices in women of other countries, shows genetic, racial, geographical and environmental (physical activities and diet) differences. Women are encouraged to take exercises and improve their diets.