[Waist-to-hip ratio in Dutch women and its relationship with self-reported diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cholecystectomy].

The waist-to-hip circumference ratio is recognized as a measure of body fat distribution and as a risk indicator of premature mortality. The distribution of waist-to-hip ratio values in 12,000 Dutch women aged between 40 and 75 years is presented. In addition, the statistical associations between the waist-to-hip ratio and the degree of overweight as well as the prevalence of self-reported diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cholecystectomy are described. The odds ratios for the prevalence of these disorders increased progressively with increasing waist-to-hip ratio. The age-adjusted odds ratios for women with a waist-to-hip ratio greater than 0.85 in comparison to those with a waist-to-hip ratio less than 0.70 were 4.8, 4.6 and 5.8 for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cholecystectomy respectively. The presented data on waist-to-hip ratio can, in combination with Quetelet's index, serve as a guide in the interpretation of measured waist-to-hip ratios in women between 40 and 75 years of age.