Waist circumference(WC) is a measurement of your waistline in inches using a tape measure. Separate from your body weight or BMI, WC is recognized as an independent health indicator – abdominal obesity (excess weight around the waistline/abdomen) is linked to increased health risks, such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hypertension.
Tip: Standing up straight, feet about 10-12 inches part, place the tape measure midway between your bottom ribs and the top of your hip bones, and make sure that the tape is parallel to the floor.
What does your waist circumference mean?
Having a waist circumference greater than the measurements below for men and women greatly increases your health risk, according to Health Canada's Canadian Guidelines for Body Weight Classification in Adults.
Men: More than 102 cm (40 inches)
Women: More than 88 cm (35 inches)
|
