This is why waist circumference is important

Waist circumference is more than just a number; it's a indicator of risk for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. It's a simple measurement but it can reveal so much; that's why we include it in all our health assessments here at Verve Healthcare. 

 

First off - let's be clear that waist measurements by themselves can be an indicator but are a diagnostic. Added to this, there are differences in our different body types; imagine a burly rugby player next to a lithe sprinter - both can be really fit and healthy. So while we look at waist measurements, it's also important to look at it in relation to other aspects of our health assessments. 

 

The World Health Organization says that for adults, a waist measurement of 88 cm or more for women and 102 cm or more for men may indicate an increased health risk, with higher measurements indicating greater risks. It can reveal visceral fat, which accumulates around organs and can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Elevated waist circumference is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. 

 

A study by the IARC - International Agency for Research on Cancer / World Health Organization found that for every 10cm in waist circumference, the overall risk for one of 10 types of obesity-related cancers increases by 13%. Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM) indicates that participants with a waist circumference above 88/102cm were 11% more likely to develop cancer, even if they were physically active. 

 

At Verve Healthcare, waist circumference is just one part of our comprehensive health assessment packages. These assessments provide a thorough overview of an individual's health; incorporating these assessments into your employee benefits not only shows your staff that you care about their wellbeing but can also contribute to a healthier, more productive workplace. Workplace wellbeing is not just the right thing to do, it also makes good business sense. 

 

We believe in proactive workplace healthcare to reduce sickness absence and enhance employee engagement. Whether you're looking to improve productivity, reduce absenteeism, or simply show your employees that you care, our health assessments can help you achieve these goals.