Waist circumference is an independent measure of risk for people with a BMI under 35. In particular, it is the best measure of risk for people over 65 or of South Asian descent.
Carrying too much fat around your middle is
associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and
high cholesterol and triglycerides, which in turn increase the risk of heart
attacks and strokes.
Your waist circumference is not the same as
your tailored waist size!
European men should aim to be under 94cm
and Asian men under 90cm.
All women should aim to be under 80cm.
How to measure your waist circumference
Standing up: locate on your side the top of
your hip bone and your lowest rib. At the midpoint between these two, hold a
tape measure and run it around your waist. Make sure the tape measure is
horizontal and not twisted. This should pass over or just above your navel. The
tape measure should be snug but not compress the skin. Relax, breath out, and
read the measurement where the tape meets.
You should know your waist circumference as
well as your weight, as it is a good way to monitor your progress towards
better health and, in some cases, a better measure than weight.