Measuring waist circumference

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 may increase your risk of having 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 94 cm (37 in.).
• A woman with a waist measurement greater than 80 cm (31.5 in.).

Author:	Brenda Vanden Beld, RN, MSN, MBA Christine Wendt, R.D., L.D.	Last Updated: May 27, 2008
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition Heather Chambliss, PhD - Exercise Science/Weight Management Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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