Measuring waist circumference is probably the easiest and most under-utilised metric assessment in healthcare. Anyone can do it; it takes less than a minute and provides a valuable snapshot of internal health.
Why is Waist Circumference Important?
For some men, the development of a ‘beer belly’ or fat around the abdominal region is not uncommon. Dietary choices and exercise patterns are often the reason for a change in body size.
Waist circumference is a quick check that can tell you whether you are carrying excess fat around the middle part of your body.
This is important as it provides an insight into what is happening inside the body – particularly whether too much fat is likely to be surrounding internal organs such as the liver, kidney or pancreas.
How to Measure Waist Circumference?
According to the Heart Foundation the correct way to measure your waist circumference is –
- Locate the top of your hip bone and the bottom of your ribs.
- Breathe out normally and hold.
- Place your tape measure midway between these two points and wrap it around your waist (should be in line with your bellybutton).
- Record your measurement.
What is a Normal Waist Circumference for a Man?
For men, the waist circumference should not be over 94 cm.
A waist circumference greater than normal can increase the risk of stroke or heart disease.
Waist circumference can be less accurate in some conditions where the abdomen is distended, and for certain groups such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Japanese, Chinese and some southern Asian groups.
Real Men’s Health Takeaway
Waist circumference measurement as an assessment of organ health is easy to attend. Simple tweaks to dietary intake (especially alcohol) and abdominal exercises can improve waist circumference and improve men’s health.
