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Waist circumference for men
Belly fat is more closely linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes than weight alone. A tape measure takes a minute.
| Waist (men) | Risk of chronic disease |
|---|---|
| Under 94 cm | Lower risk |
| 94 – 101.9 cm | Increased risk |
| 102 cm or more | High risk |
How to measure your waist
- Stand up straight, relax and breathe out normally.
- Find the bottom of your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone.
- Wrap a tape measure around your bare stomach halfway between the two points.
- Keep it snug but not tight, parallel to the floor, and read the number.
Why it matters
Fat stored around the organs (visceral fat) affects blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Men are more prone to storing fat there than women. Men from some backgrounds, including South Asian and East Asian, may face risks at smaller waist sizes, so talk to your GP.
Already know your BMI? Go back to the calculator.