Waist

Waist

The waist is the part of the human body between the rib cage and hips. It is often the narrowest part of the torso and is a significant measure in various health and fashion contexts.

Anatomy

The waist is located between the thorax (chest) and pelvis. The waistline refers to the horizontal line where the waist is narrowest, or to the general area of the waist. Because of this and its position, the waist is often used as a measure of a person's body size.

Health implications

The size of a person's waist or waist circumference, can be a health indicator. Abdominal obesity is a condition where excessive abdominal fat around the stomach and abdomen has built up to the extent that it is likely to have a negative impact on health. A high waist measurement is a warning sign of obesity, which can lead to a number of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cancer.

Fashion and society

In fashion, the waistline is used to accentuate different features. The waistline is also important in the fitting of clothes. In society, a slim waist is often seen as a sign of beauty or attractiveness. It is also often used in comparative measurements for women's clothing, such as dresses, skirts, and blouses, and occasionally in men's clothing, such as jackets and shirts.

See also

• Body shape
• Human body
• Obesity
• Fashion

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  Diagram of a human waist

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  Illustration of waist-to-hip ratio

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  Waist