The Claim
In adults aged 50 and older, combining waist-to-hip ratio with body mass index provides better discrimination of type 2 diabetes risk than combining waist circumference with body mass index, with a statistically significant improvement in C-statistic of 0.007.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
In adults aged 50 and older, using both waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index together identifies type 2 diabetes risk more accurately than using waist circumference and body mass index together, as measured by a statistically significant increase in the C-statistic of 0.007.
See the scientific wording
Combining waist-to-hip ratio with body mass index provides better discrimination of type 2 diabetes risk than combining waist circumference with body mass index in adults aged 50 and older, with a statistically significant improvement in C-statistic of 0.007.
Fat around the belly releases chemicals that make the liver and muscles resistant to insulin, while fat around the hips and thighs releases chemicals that protect against insulin resistance. When both areas have a lot of fat, the harmful effects from the belly fat dominate, making diabetes more likely. Measuring both belly size and hip size together captures this balance better than just measuring belly size alone.
What the research says
1 studyFor older adults, using both waist-to-hip ratio and BMI together predicts diabetes risk a tiny bit better than using waist size and BMI together—even though waist size alone is better than waist-to-hip ratio by itself.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.