Which measurement is considered a primary indicator of risk for morbidity related to overweight and obesity?

Waist circumference is considered a primary indicator of risk for morbidity related to overweight and obesity because it specifically measures the amount of visceral fat surrounding the abdominal organs. Excess abdominal fat is linked to a higher risk of developing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. While body mass index (BMI) provides a general measure of body weight relative to height, it does not differentiate between muscle and fat or indicate fat distribution. Therefore, waist circumference is more pertinent for assessing abdominal obesity and the associated health risks.

Hip circumference and shoulder width, while useful measurements in some contexts, do not provide the same level of insight into health risks related to obesity as waist circumference does. They do not specifically reflect central adiposity, which is a significant factor in morbidity related to obesity. Thus, waist circumference stands out as the most relevant measurement for assessing metabolic risk associated with excess weight.