What is considered the best method for assessing visceral fat?

Waist circumference is widely regarded as the best method for assessing visceral fat due to its direct relationship with abdominal fat deposits. This measurement captures the fat that surrounds internal organs, which is a critical indicator of health risks associated with obesity, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Unlike other methods, waist circumference is simple to measure and provides immediate feedback on body fat distribution, particularly in the abdominal area, where visceral fat tends to accumulate.

This measurement is more predictive of health outcomes than others, such as Body Mass Index (BMI), which does not differentiate between fat and lean mass, or skin calipers, which primarily assess subcutaneous fat. Waist-to-hip ratio, while useful, can be less precise than waist circumference alone since it incorporates hip measurement, which may not be as critical when focusing specifically on visceral fat.