Summary

Visceral fat area, abnormal waist circumference, and metabolic abnormalities are closely related. The Japanese diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome are unique. In Japan, metabolic syndrome is defined by an increased visceral fat area (as measured by a waist circumference =85 cm for men, =90 cm for women), plus 2 or more of the usual metabolic abnormalities. The direct association between waist circumference and the number of metabolic abnormalities in men and women is discussed [Takahara M et al. J Atheroscler Thromb 2012].