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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 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 level of your navel. You are at increased risk for health problems if you are:1

  • A man with a waist measurement greater than 40 in..
  • A woman with a waist measurement greater than 35 in..

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.

Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD
- Diet and Nutrition
Specialist Medical Reviewer Heather Chambliss, PhD
- Exercise Science/Weight Management
Last Updated March 23, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 23, 2006
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.
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