Waist measurement
Measuring your waist is another way of identifying if you’re at risk of being overweight.
You can have a healthy BMI and still have excess tummy fat. Having excess tummy fat can increase your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke.
How to measure your waist
While standing, put a tape measure around your middle, placing it midway between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips. Breathe out naturally and take the measurement.
Your health may be at risk and you should try to lose weight if you have the following measurements:
- men: 94cm (37ins) or more
- women: 80cm (31.5ins) or more
You’re at a very high risk, and you should contact your GP for advice if your waist measures:
- men: 102cm (40ins) or more
- women: 88cm (34.5ins) or more