Calculating Your Waist Circumference

Too much abdominal fat puts you at high risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. It means you need to lose weight.

By measuring your waist circumference, doctors can track your body composition before, during, and after your weight loss efforts.   

A high-risk waist circumference is:

• A man with waist measurement over 40 inches (102 cm).
• A woman with waist measurement over 35 inches (88 cm).

To measure your waist circumference, use a tape measure. Start at the top of the hip bone, then bring it all the way around -- level with your navel. Make sure it’s not too tight and that it is parallel with the floor. Don’t hold your breath while measuring it!