Measuring Waist Circumference

Carrying too much fat around your middle is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Therefore, it is important to know your waist circumference, as well as your Body Mass Index (BMI).

Apple versus Pear shape

The way our bodies store fat is also important to our health. Most of us store fat either around our hips and thighs, or around our middle. Those who store fat around the hips and thighs are known as having a 'pear shape’, while those who store fat around the middle are known as having an 'apple shape'.

Evidence suggests that those who store excess fat in the abdominal region i.e. are ‘apple’ shaped, are at a greater risk of developing serious illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes than people with excess fat in the hips and thighs.

Men are genetically predisposed to gain weight around their waist, although there are exceptions. By contrast, women's bodies tend to be more 'pear shaped'.

How to measure your waist circumference

To determine your waist circumference: locate the upper hip bone and place a tape measure around the waist (ensuring that the tape measure is horizontal) while standing. The tape measure should be snug but should not cause compressions on the skin.

Am I at risk?

For women – if your waist measures 31.5in (80cm) or more you’ve got an increased risk.

Men – if you’re white or black and your waist is 37in (94cm) or more you have an increased risk of developing heart disease and diabetes; if you’re an Asian man the figure is 35in (90cm) or more.