Optimal waist circumference cut-off points for predicting metabolic syndrome among females of reproductive age in Wakiso district, central Uganda

This cross-sectional study involving 697 randomly selected females aged 15-49 years in Wakiso district, central Uganda, sought to establish optimal waist circumference cut-off points for predicting metabolic syndrome. The study found that 51.4% of participants aged 18-49 years had two or more MetS risk factors, with an average optimal waist circumference threshold of 80.3 cm. The ROC analysis showed good discriminatory capability with area under the curve ranging from 0.78 to 0.86, sensitivity from 85% to 97%, and specificity from 58% to 88%. The findings align with International Diabetes Federation guidance and show age-specific variations in optimal cut-off points.