Measuring Your Waist

Topic Overview

Your waist size can be an important measure of health.

Waist circumference

Waist circumference is an indirect indicator of intraabdominal fat tissue, often called visceral fat. A large waist circumference is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease because of excess abdominal fat.

To measure your waist circumference, place a tape measure around your body at the top of your hipbone. This is usually at the level of your belly button. You are at increased risk for health problems if you are:¹

• A man with a waist measurement greater than 40 in. (101.6 cm).
• A woman with a waist measurement greater than 35 in. (88.9 cm).

Related Information

• Weight Management

References

Citations

1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health (2000). The Practical Guide: Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults (NIH Publication No. 00-4084). Available online: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/prctgd_c.pdf.

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