title: Accuracy and adequacy of waist circumference cut-off points currently recommended in Brazilian adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the adequacy and accuracy of cut-off values currently recommended by the WHO for assessment of cardiovascular risk in southern Brazil.
  
  
  METHODS
  Population-based study aimed at determining the predictive ability of waist circumference for cardiovascular risk based on the use of previous medical diagnosis for hypertension, diabetes mellitus and/or dyslipidaemia. Descriptive analysis was used for the adequacy of current cut-off values of waist circumference, receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed and the most accurate criteria according to the Youden index and points of optimal sensitivity and specificity were identified.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pelotas, southern Brazil.
  
  
  METHODS
  Individuals (n 2112) aged ≥20 years living in the city were selected by multistage sampling, since these individuals did not report the presence of previous myocardial infarction, angina pectoris or stroke.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The cut-off values currently recommended by WHO were more appropriate in men than women, with overestimation of cardiovascular risk in women. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve showed moderate predictive ability of waist circumference in men (0.74, 95% CI 0.71, 0.76) and women (0.75, 95% CI 0.73, 0.77). The method of optimal sensitivity and specificity showed better performance in assessing the accuracy, identifying the values of 95 cm in men and 87 cm in women as the best cut-off values of waist circumference to assess cardiovascular risk.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The cut-off values currently recommended for waist circumference are not suitable for women. Longitudinal studies should be conducted to evaluate the consistency of the findings.
authors.affiliation: 1 Post-Graduate Programme in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Rua Marechal Deodoro, 1160 - 3° piso, CEP 96010-220, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
authors.forename: Carolina Avila
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Vianna
authors.affiliation: 1 Post-Graduate Programme in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Rua Marechal Deodoro, 1160 - 3° piso, CEP 96010-220, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
authors.forename: Rogério
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: da Silva Linhares
authors.affiliation: 1 Post-Graduate Programme in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Rua Marechal Deodoro, 1160 - 3° piso, CEP 96010-220, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
authors.forename: Renata Moraes
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Bielemann
authors.affiliation: 1 Post-Graduate Programme in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Rua Marechal Deodoro, 1160 - 3° piso, CEP 96010-220, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
authors.forename: Eduardo Coelho
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Machado
authors.affiliation: 2 Post-Graduate Programme in Nutrition, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
authors.forename: David Alejandro
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: González-Chica
authors.affiliation: 1 Post-Graduate Programme in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Rua Marechal Deodoro, 1160 - 3° piso, CEP 96010-220, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
authors.forename: Alicia Manitto
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Matijasevich
authors.affiliation: 1 Post-Graduate Programme in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Rua Marechal Deodoro, 1160 - 3° piso, CEP 96010-220, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
authors.forename: Denise Petrucci
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Gigante
authors.affiliation: 1 Post-Graduate Programme in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Rua Marechal Deodoro, 1160 - 3° piso, CEP 96010-220, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
authors.forename: Iná
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: da Silva Dos Santos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001938:Brazil; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012372:ROC Curve; D012016:Reference Values; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D055105:Waist Circumference; D014944:World Health Organization; D055815:Young Adult