Check your waist
Waist measurement
In conjuction with the BMI (Body Mass Index) the Waist Measurement provides an assessment of your weight range.
Your body shape and where you store excess weight can have an influence on your health. Excess weight around your middle (apple-shaped) is more of a health risk than if it's on your hips and thighs (pear-shaped).
If you are aiming to lose weight for improved health benefits, measuring your waist is a useful tool for monitoring your progress.
Check your waist measurement
Step 1
Grab a tape measure and measure around your stomach at your belly button. The tape measure should be firm but not tight. Don't forget to breathe normally.
Step 2
Your result
LOW RISK
Your result
INCREASED RISK
Your result
HIGH RISK
Grab a tape measure and measure around your stomach at your belly button. The tape measure should be firm but not tight. Don't forget to breathe normally.
Scale
Female |
|
|---|---|
| < 80 | Your weight-related health risk is low. Continue to stay active and choose healthy food. |
| 80-88 | Your weight-related health risk is increased, especially if your BMI is more than 25. Avoid gaining weight, increase your physical activity and choose healthy food. |
| 88 | Your weight-related health risk is high. Try to lose some weight - even small weight loss will help. Increase your physical activity and choose healthy food. |
Male |
|
| < 94 | Your weight-related health risk is low. Continue to stay active and choose healthy food. |
| 94-102 | Your weight-related health risk is increased, especially if your BMI is more than 25. Avoid gaining weight, increase your physical activity and choose healthy food. |
| 102 | Your weight-related health risk is high. Try to lose some weight - even small weight loss will help. Increase your physical activity and choose healthy food. |
Now that you know the results of your BMI and Waist Measurement, this is a good place to start to map out your journey to eat well and be active.
Can you improve your health?
If you are overweight or obese, modest weight loss (five to ten per cent of your bodyweight) from eating well and being active can substantially improve your health through:
- lower blood pressure
- lower blood fats (including cholesterol)
- reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
- reduced risk of heart disease.
If you're concerned or unsure about your waist measurement or weight-related health risk, visit your doctor.
Last updated: 12 April, 2011