The measurement of the waistline is a very important information that can be used in various situations, for example to choose the right size of a dress or to determine if the body weight is within the norm. Fortunately, it's not a very complicated operation. You just need a tape measure.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Measure the Waist
Step 1. Remove or lift your clothes
If you want to be precise, you need to make sure that the tape fits your abdomen uncovered, then remove any clothing that blocks contact with the waist. Take off or lift the shirt just below your chest. If the pants are in the way, unbutton them and pull them down to your hips.
Step 2. Find your waist size
Use your fingers to locate the upper end of the pelvis and the base of the rib cage. The waist is that soft, fleshy area between these two bony portions. In addition, it is the narrowest part of the torso and is located near or just above the navel.
Step 3. Wrap the measuring tape around your waist
Stand up and breathe normally. Place one end of the tape measure on your navel and loop the other around your back bringing it back to the starting point. The tape measure should be parallel to the floor and fit snugly to the skin, but loosely.
Make sure it is perfectly straight and does not twist around your waist, especially behind your back
Step 4. Read the number
Exhale and check the measurement. You find it at the point where the tape measure encircling the bust meets the zero of the first extremity. The number will indicate your waist size in centimeters.
Step 5. Check a second time
Repeat the operation to be sure you have taken the measurement correctly. If the number is different, do a third test and then calculate the average.
Part 2 of 2: Interpreting the Results
Step 1. Check if your waist measurement indicates that you are healthy
For men, it should be less than 95 cm, while for women it should not exceed 80 cm. If it is above the above values, you may be predisposed to serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. You may also be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cancers.
If your waist measurement is not within the range of recommended values based on your gender, you should see your doctor
Step 2. Consider the factors that can invalidate the result
In some situations, waist measurement is not a sign of good or bad health. For example, if you are pregnant or suffer from a disorder that promotes abdominal swelling, it may be off the benchmark even if you are in excellent health. Likewise, it should be noted that people of a certain ethnic origin tend to have a larger waistline, such as Chinese, Japanese, South Asians, Aborigines or those from the Torres Strait Islands.
Step 3. Calculate your BMI for more information
If, after measuring your waist size, you are still unable to determine for sure if your body weight is within the normal range, try calculating your body mass index (BMI). This value takes into account your weight and height to determine if you need to lose weight.
