Waist Circumference
Data Type | Body Circumference, Health Indicator |
Source | World Health Organization. (2011). Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio: report of a WHO expert consultation, Geneva, 8-11 December 2008. International Diabetes Federation. Alberti, G., Zimmet, P. Z., Shaw, J., & Grundy, S. M. (2006). The IDF consensus worldwide definition of metabolic syndrome. |
Predictors | Ethnicity, gender, waist circumference |
Data Validation | Externally Validated. Validated against ISAK |
Risk Category | Low, Medium, High |
Cohort | South Asian, Chinese, Japanese, South, and Central Americans United States, Europids, Middle East, African |
Strengths & Weaknesses | Strength: Stronger predictor than Waist-Hip ratio due to relative ease. Weakness (not implemented): It is desirable to obtain real-BMI, where possible, and consider the utility of joint use of the two indicators. |
Notes | |
Measurement Location
- Waist circumference is measured at the narrowest point between the top of the hip bone and the lowest palpable rib. This is consistent with ISAK standards.
Risk Information
- A larger waist can be associated with increased risks of disease and mortality, due to higher levels of abdominal fat in the form of visceral adipose tissue.
- Waist size is influenced by our genetics and lifestyle. Conscious and positive changes to diet and exercise can reduce our waist circumference and abdominal fat.
- Recommended ranges of waist circumference are presented below for males and females of different ethnicities.
United States, Europids, Middle East, African
Risk | Males | Females |
LOW | < 94 cm | < 80 cm |
MEDIUM | ≥ 94 cm < 102 cm | ≥ 80 cm < 88 cm |
HIGH | ≥ 102 cm | ≥ 88 cm |
- Low Risk The World Health Organisation defines a male waist circumference of less than 94 cm or a female waist circumference of less than 80 cm as low risk.
- Medium Risk The World Health Organisation defines a male waist circumference of more than 94 cm and less than 102 cm, or a female waist circumference of more than 80 cm and less than 88 cm as an increased risk.
- High Risk The World Health Organisation defines a male waist circumference above 102 cm or a female waist circumference above 88 cm as a substantially increased risk.
South Asian, Chinese, Japanese, South, and Central Americans
Risk | Males | Females |
LOW | < 90 cm | < 80 cm |
HIGH | ≥ 90 cm | ≥ 80 cm |
- Low Risk The International Diabetes Federation defines a male waist circumference of less than 90 cm or a female waist circumference of less than 80 cm as low risk.
- High Risk The International Diabetes Federation defines a male waist circumference of more than 90 cm or a female waist circumference of more than 80 cm as an increased risk.
