Central obesity is the accumulation of excess fat around the abdomen, giving an apple-shaped body, as opposed to fat stored on hips and thighs. Measured by waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio, it is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome than overall body weight, because visceral fat around the organs is metabolically active and promotes inflammation and insulin resistance. Dietary patterns high in refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks, and alcohol encourage it, while whole-food diets and regular activity reduce it. Clinicians treat waist measurement as a vital sign in metabolic risk assessment.