BMI and Waist Circumference

Know Both Numbers

Although BMI is the global standard for evaluating weight status, it

does have limitations. While BMI is closely linked to total body fat, it does not provide any information about where the fat is located. And when it comes to weight and health, where fat is carried on the body is extremely important. Studies have found that excess fat stored at the waist or in the abdominal area places people at greater risk for certain health problems, like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, even if their BMI is in the healthy range.

To help compensate for this limitation, experts recommend that waist circumference be included in the assessment of an individual’s weight–health risk. For example, there are men with broad shoulders and lean hips who, according to the BMI formula, are overweight. These men have little abdominal fat,

however, and their health risk will be low as well. Similarly, there are women who carry their fat in their hips and thighs and have small waists. Same story. Factoring the individual’s waist circumference  into the BMI equation gives a more accurate picture of health risk than does BMI alone.

How is waist circumference determined? There are a variety of

methods out there, but the easiest and most common way involves placing a tape measure around the waist just above the hips while standing. Health risk increases when the waist circumference exceeds

35 inches for women and 40 inches for men.

The bottom line for women and men: know your BMI and waist- circumference numbers. If they are too high, it’s time to take action and lose weight.