measuring your waist
overview
waist circumference is the distance around your waist. measuring it is a way to check how much fat is on your belly. having extra belly fat increases your risk of health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
for most people, the goal for a healthy waist is:footnote 1
- less than 102 cm (40 in.) for men.
- less than 88 cm (35 in.) for women.
people who are "apple-shaped" and store fat around their belly are more likely to develop weight-related diseases than people who are "pear-shaped" and store most of their fat around their hips.
to find your waist circumference, use a tape measure to measure around your body at the top of your hip bone. this is usually at the level of your belly button. the tape should fit snugly but not press into your skin.
credits
current as of: may 13, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
current as of: may 13, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
office of nutrition policy and promotion, health canada (2003). canadian guidelines for body weight classification in adults. ottawa: her majesty the queen in right of canada (health canada). http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection/h49-179-2003e.pdf. accessed june 22, 2015.
