How do I measure my waist?
A waist measurement can easily be done in the following steps:
Use a stretch resistant tape
Picture 1: Adapted from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute as
a part of the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services.
Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/prctgd_c.pdf
What do your results mean?
Compare your measurements with the following recommended cutoff points for a healthy waist measurement in adults (Ref 2):
*Body fat distribution can be different based on ethnicity.
If your measurements are higher than the recommended do not hesitate to ask your doctor for advice regarding ways of reducing the risk of health conditions. You might also like to read the sections on our website on healthy eating, increasing physical activity and losing weight, which may help
What if I am wrong?
If you have concerns about the accuracy of your measurements please do not hesitate to ask from your doctor, dietician or a nurse to perform the measurements for you and give you appropriate advice.
References: