Waist circumference gives information about where body weight is carried, and it is used together with body mass index in metabolic assessment. The measurement is taken standing, after breathing out, with the tape touching the skin but not pressing into it. It can also be taken at home and is repeated during follow-up.
The World Health Organization (opens in a new tab) states that additional measurements such as waist circumference may help in the diagnosis of obesity. The same body reports that, as of 2022, 2.5 billion adults worldwide were overweight, that 890 million adults were living with obesity, and that 43% of adults over the age of 18 were overweight.
The data from Türkiye point in the same direction. Drawing on the results of the Türkiye Beslenme ve Sağlık Araştırması-2017, the General Directorate of Public Health (opens in a new tab) of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye reports the prevalence of obesity over the age of 15 as 31.5% (39.1% in women, 24.6% in men), and states that obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, hyperlipidaemia and metabolic syndrome.
Two people of the same weight may carry fat in different regions. Waist circumference shows this difference, which is why the scales alone do not give enough information.
Step-by-step measurement
- Stand up. Feet shoulder-width apart, with your weight evenly on both feet.
- Find the point to measure. The measurement is taken at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the upper edge of the hip bone. This is usually close to the level of the navel, but the midpoint is the true reference.
- Move your clothing out of the way. The measurement is taken directly on the skin, not over thick clothing.
- Position the tape. Wrap it parallel to the floor. It should touch the skin but not press into it.
- Breathe out. After breathing out normally, read the measurement without drawing your abdomen in.
- Record it. Write down the date and the reading. Measuring at the same time and under the same conditions during follow-up makes the comparison reliable.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why it is a problem |
|---|---|
| Drawing the abdomen in | The reading is falsely low |
| Pulling the tape tight | The reading is falsely low |
| Measuring over thick clothing | The reading is falsely high |
| Wrapping the tape at an angle | The reading is falsely high |
| Measuring while breathing in | The reading is falsely high |
| Measuring at a different level each time | The trend during follow-up is distorted |
| Looking only at the scales | It does not show where fat is carried |
In which patients is it assessed differently?
In the situations below, the assessment proceeds differently.
- In pregnant patients (waist circumference is not used for metabolic assessment)
- In patients with a hernia, a mass or a fluid collection in the abdomen (the measurement may be misleading)
- In patients who have had abdominal surgery (the measurement may be postponed during the recovery period)
- In patients who are very short or very tall (assessment together with body mass index may differ)
- In patients whose muscle mass is markedly high (body mass index on its own may be misleading)
- In patients under 18 years of age (different criteria are used; this content has been prepared for adults)
Points to be aware of
Waist circumference on its own does not establish a diagnosis. It is assessed together with body mass index, blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipids.
Cut-off values may differ from person to person and from population to population. This is why no definite target number is given in this article; the range that is meaningful for you is determined at the consultation.
The measurement itself is not a target. The aim is to observe the course during follow-up. A single measurement shows a point; the course over three months shows a direction.
Do not switch to a restrictive eating routine on your own initiative on the basis of the measurement. Whether it is suitable is assessed together with your current medication and your existing conditions.
Results vary from person to person.
When should you see a physician without delay?
If you notice these symptoms, consult a physician without delay:
- Marked thickening around the waist over a short period
- Unintentional and unexplained weight loss
- Rapid bloating and a feeling of tightness in the abdomen
- Frequent urination, excessive thirst or fatigue accompanying the thickening around the waist
- Blood pressure that runs high in home readings
In the event of sudden and severe abdominal pain, or an inability to pass wind or stool together with vomiting, go directly to the emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
What should my waist circumference be?
A definite number cannot be given in answer to this. Cut-off values may differ according to the person, the sex and the population, and they are not assessed on their own. The range that is meaningful for you is determined at the consultation, together with body mass index and the other measurements.
Should I measure at the level of the navel?
The measurement is taken at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the upper edge of the hip bone. In most people this point is close to the level of the navel, but the midpoint is the true reference. During follow-up, it is important to measure at the same level each time.
How often should I measure?
Measuring daily is not advised; day-to-day change is misleading and may increase anxiety. Measuring every few weeks, or before follow-up appointments, is generally enough. Your physician determines how often to measure.
Is there a difference between the scales and waist circumference?
There is. The scales show total weight; waist circumference gives information about where the weight is carried. Two people may be the same weight, yet their waist circumferences may differ. This is why the two are used together.
Should I measure in the morning or in the evening?
What matters is keeping the conditions the same during follow-up. Measuring in the morning, on an empty stomach and after going to the toilet, is generally preferred. Whichever time you choose, take later measurements at the same time.
Is waist circumference measured with a tape measure?
Yes, it is taken with a non-stretch tape measure. A tailor’s tape measure is suitable. Tapes that stretch may lead to an incorrect measurement.
Sources
- World Health Organization, Obesity and overweight fact sheet, 8 December 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, General Directorate of Public Health, Obezite (Türkiye Beslenme ve Sağlık Araştırması-2017 data). https://hsgm.saglik.gov.tr/tr/obezite (opens in a new tab)
