How to Measure My Waist Size

A trim waist has long been considered a physically attractive trait. However, in addition to its visual appeal, waist size can also indicate possible health risks. According to the U.S. Department of Health, those with a large waist are at higher risk for diseases such as heart disease and type 2 Diabetes. This risk increases in women with a waist greater than 35 inches and men with a waist greater than 40 inches. If you are unsure of your measurement, it takes less than a minute to measure your waist.

• 1

  Stand in front of the mirror with your shirt off or raised above your chest. Look straight ahead at your reflection in the mirror.

• 2

  Wrap the measuring tape around your waist, just above your belly button. Pull the tape snug so that it remains completely even all around and does not droop or fall. Do not pull the tape so tight that it squeezes your skin.

• 3

  Breathe out normally and loosen the tape as necessary to accommodate the breath. Use the thumb and index finger of each hand to grasp the tape at the two points where it meets.

• 4

  Continue to hold the tape at these two points as you release it from around your waist. Look at the meeting point with the higher number; this is your waist measurement.