Final answer:
Males should keep their waist circumference less than 40 inches to minimize health risks. High waist circumference and a waist-to-hip ratio above 0.90 indicate excessive abdominal fat and increased risk of disease. The correct option is a.
Step-by-step explanation:
An individual's waist circumference is an important measurement that can indicate the risk of certain diseases, particularly those related to obesity. Men should aim to keep their waist circumference less than 40 inches to minimize health risks.
This is because visceral fat, which is stored in the abdominal area, is a better predictor of disease risk than total fat mass. A high waist circumference in men is associated with increased health risks such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.
It is also important to consider the waist-to-hip ratio, which provides an indication of fat distribution. A waist-to-hip ratio above 0.90 for males indicates excessive abdominal fat.
To calculate this ratio, one must measure the waist at the smallest circumference and the hips at the widest part, then divide the waist measurement by the hip measurement. Option a. is the correct one.