Waist circumference

Waist circumference is a reliable indicator of obesity and increased risk of lifestyle diseases. Test yourself with a simple measuring tape.

Instructions:
1. Measure your waist circumference at a horisontal line one inch above your belly button.

Background:

Waist circumference is a reliable indicator of obesity and increased risk of lifestyle diseases. Waist-to-hip ratio is also being used for the same purpose, but research has shown that using only the waist measurement gives you the same level of information.

The calculator uses the reference values given in the bottom reference (Bray).

 

References:

Waist circumference action levels in the identification of cardiovascular risk factors: prevalence study in a random sample.
Han TS, van Leer EM, Seidell JC, Lean ME.
BMJ. 1995 Nov 25;311(7017):1401-5.

Waist circumference as a screening tool for cardiovascular risk factors: evaluation of receiver operating characteristics (ROC).
Han TS, van Leer EM, Seidell JC, Lean ME.
Obes Res. 1996 Nov;4(6):533-47.

A comparative evaluation of waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index as indicators of cardiovascular risk factors. The Canadian Heart Health Surveys.
Dobbelsteyn CJ, Joffres MR, MacLean DR, Flowerdew G.
Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2001 May;25(5):652-61.

Waist circumference and not body mass index explains obesity-related health risk
Ian Janssen, Peter T Katzmarzyk and Robert Ross
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 79, No. 3, 379-384, March 2004

Don't throw the baby out with the bath water.
George A Bray
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 79, No. 3, 347-349, March 2004