Abstract
There is currently no established reference value for WHtR and WC as an indicator of
metabolic and cardiovascular risk for the Nigerian young adult population despite their sensitivity.
The study provided reference values for WC and WHtR among apparently healthy Nigerian adults
aged 18 to 60 years.
A sample size of 1201 participated in this study. Waist circumference was measured with
a non-stretchable plastic tape, placed at the thinnest portion of the abdomen, midpoint between
the lower margin of the last palpable rib and the top of the iliac crest. Weight and height were
measured as well following standard protocol. Data was summarized using descriptive and
inferential statistics with Alpha level set at 0.05.
Results showed that the mean and 95th percentile values of waist to height ratio for male of ages
18 to 60 years of age were 0.48+ 0.02 and 0.60 respectively while that of female were 0.47+ 0.04
and 0.63 respectively. The mean and 95th percentile of waist circumference for male were 82.77
cm and 100.21 cm respectively while that of female were 83.00 cm and 96.07 cm respectively.
There was a significant relationship between WHtR and each of age (r = 0.188, p<0.01), waist
circumference, (r = 0.203, p<0.01), and BMI (r = 0.227, p<0.01).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the cut off value of waist circumference for the population
of the study was 100.2cm for male and 97.1cm for female while waist to height ratio for male was
0.60 while that of female was 0.63.