Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

Weight Loss & Diet Plans

Tools & Resources

Font Size
A
A
A

Waist Measurement

Waist circumference (distance around the waist) is a common measure used to check for fat held around the stomach. Having extra body fat around the stomach-more than 35 in. (89 cm) for women and more than 40 in. (102 cm) for men-increases your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

How to measure 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, as shown in the picture above.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator
Last Revised April 13, 2011

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 13, 2011
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Healthy Living Tools

Ditch Those Inches

Set goals, tally calorie intake, track workouts and more, all via WebMD’s free Food & Fitness Planner.

Get Started

Today in Weight Loss & Diet Plans

vegetables
Video
Healthiest Supermarket Foods
feet on scale
Blog
400 Pounds at 40: Gigi's Story
 
Woman looking at reflection in mirror
Article
Is Your Diet Aging You?
Hot cup of coffee
Quiz
Caffeine Myths and Facts
 
pantry
Video
Spring Clean Your Pantry
butter curl on knife
Quiz
Fats: How Much Do You Know?
 
eating out healthy
Article
Your Diabetes Menu Plan
Smiling woman, red hair
Article
10 Best Foods for Hair Health
 
thumbnail_woman_tossing_spinach
Video
Washing Greens: What to Know
lunchbox
Article
Fiber-Rich Lunch Ideas for Kids
 
What Girls Need To Know About Eating Disorders
Article
Healthy Eating Habits for Teens
teen squeezing into jeans
fitfor Teens
5 Reasons to Toss Your Skinny Jeans