Waist measurement


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Waist measurement


Illustration of how to measure your waist

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 for women and more than for men—increases your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

How to measure waist circumference: With a tape measure, comfortably measure the distance around the area below the rib cage and above the belly button, as shown in the picture above.

Credits


Primary Medical Reviewer Caroline S. Rhoads, MD

- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Matthew I. Kim, MD

- Endocrinology & Metabolism
Last Updated April 20, 2007

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