Measuring your waist circumference is important for assessing your overall health and risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. It is a simple and accurate way to estimate your body fat distribution and overall health risks.
To measure your waist circumference, stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Relax your abdomen and breathe normally. Place a measuring tape around your waist, just above your hip bones. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight. Take the measurement at the end of a normal exhale.