What Does Your Waist Circumference Tell You?

Did you know that your waist circumference can be an indicator of obesity and its associated complications?

Although there are many methods used to diagnose obesity, Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference are among the most commonly used tools for both diagnosis and classification. BMI is calculated by dividing body weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.
 

One of the major limitations of BMI is that it does not provide information about body fat distribution, which is highly related to metabolic complications of obesity. Recently, waist circumference has emerged as an important indicator, especially in identifying abdominal fat accumulation. Apple-shaped/Android-type obesity (typically seen in males) carries a higher risk for metabolic syndrome, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases compared to pear-shaped/Gynoid-type obesity (typically seen in females).
 

How to Measure Your Waist Circumference

Generally, waist circumference is measured at the narrowest part of the waist. However, the correct method is to stand upright on a flat surface without contracting your body and measure at the midpoint between the last rib and the top of the hip bone—or more simply, wrap the measuring tape around the body about two fingers above the belly button.
 

If your waist circumference is greater than 88 cm for women or greater than 102 cm for men, you are in the high-risk group for metabolic syndrome, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases as mentioned above!