How to measure the circumference of the waist and the waist / hip perimeter

Currently many nutritionists and dieticians have several useful tools to know not only the level of obesity and of overweight that the person may have, but discover a little more about their IMC and his waist circumference.

For some years now many nutritionists, dieticians and health experts agree that more than the BMI (Body Mass Index), there would actually be another parameter more useful to discover not only if the person is overweight or obese, but if at risk of suffering from a cardiometabolic disorder: the measurement of the waist, definitely related to the abdominal obesity.

The perimeter of the waist and hip it is a useful parameter to know the volume of abdominal fat that the person can have, and it is complemented almost perfectly with the weight data that the classic scale of all the life can indicate to us. In fact, there is no doubt that this parameter has replaced the calculation of BMI because it has proven its effectiveness over the years, since a high waist perimeter may be indicative of an increased risk of suffering from various cardiovascular diseases.

Perimeter of the waist / hip, what is it?

There is no doubt that this parameter has replaced the calculation of BMI because it has proven its effectiveness over the years, since a high waist perimeter may be indicative of an increased risk of suffering from various cardiovascular diseases.

Of course, it should be noted that these data can be complemented not only with the data provided by the scale, but by the IMC calculator.

How to measure the circumference of the waist?

To carry out the measurement you only need to get a nutritional meter (the sewing machine, if it is flexible, it can help you), a paper and a pen. It is recommended to be naked, standing, looking in the mirror and always do it at the same time:

Make the first measurement on your waist, locating the lower part of the ribs (usually usually at navel height). Aim the measurement at the moment you expulses the air slightly.
Locate the upper part of the hip bones on both sides, and measure your hip, also expelling the air lightly.

Once you have made and recorded the two measurements, divides the result of the waist between the result of the hip: waist / hip. Finally, the number that appears on the calculator should be taken into account to discover if your perimeter is normal or if your distribution of fat is greater than the medically recommended.

In the case of women, the measurement of the perimeter of the waist should not exceed 88 centimeters, while in the case of men should not exceed 100.

How to calculate the perimeter of the waist / hip?

To perform the calculation you only need to get a nutritional meter (the sewing, if flexible, can serve you), a paper and a pen.

Of course, it is advisable to make the measurement naked, standing, looking in the mirror (so you can check for yourself that the measurement is done correctly) and always at the same time (preferably on an empty stomach, in the morning).

First, you must make the first measurement on your waist, locating the lower part of the ribs (usually usually at the level of the navel). Aim the measurement at the moment you expulses the air slightly.

Second, locate the upper part of the hip bones on both sides, and measure your hip, also expelling the air lightly.

Once you have made and recorded the two measurements, you must divide the result of the waist between the result of the hip: waist / hip. Finally, the number that appears on the calculator should be taken into account to discover if your perimeter is normal or if your distribution of fat is greater than the medically recommended.

In the case of women, the measurement of the perimeter of the waist should not exceed 88 centimeters, while in the case of men should not exceed 100.

What are the consequences of having a waist circumference greater than normal?

Basically increases the risk up to 3 times of developing coronary, cardiovascular and diabetes diseases. Therefore, it is advisable to consider a loss of weight to reduce the perimeter of the waist.

Is the waist / hip perimeter out of phase?

The scientific journal Plos One has published a recent study released by the Hospital del Mar Institute for Medical Research (IMIM), in collaboration with the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), in which it is concluded that incorporating the measurement of waist circumference in The usual medical practice would help to better prevent the most important risk factors related to abdominal obesity.

Therefore, it emphasizes the importance of regularly measuring the waist circumference of both children and adolescents, by improving the detection of those children who are exposed to cardiometabolic risks.

More information | Canarias 7 This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist.