Which of the following is an indicator of metabolic syndrome for women in terms of waist circumference?

Waist circumference is an important measure in identifying metabolic syndrome, particularly in women. For women, a waist circumference greater than 35 inches is a significant indicator of increased risk for metabolic syndrome. This threshold comes from guidelines that highlight abdominal obesity as a key factor in the development of metabolic risk factors, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance.

By focusing on waist circumference, healthcare providers are able to assess the distribution of body fat, which is more relevant than overall body weight in predicting metabolic health risks. Thus, when a woman's waist measurement exceeds 35 inches, it suggests a greater likelihood of having metabolic syndrome, warranting further evaluation and potential intervention to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.