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Waist Circumference: How to Measure Your Waist Size Right?
It seems like waist circumference is easy as a pie. Just get the measuring tape and do it. However, most people do it wrong. Read this Habio article to find out how to measure waist size correctly.
Have you ever wondered why it's essential to know your waist circumference? Did you know that your waist size can tell you more than just your clothing size? It can tell you a lot about your health status and whether or not you are at risk for certain health conditions such as diabetes. A larger waistline is usually caused by excessive abdominal fat. There is a strong tie between your waist size and your health. Find out more about it in this post, and discover the best way to measure your waist size accurately.
What is a healthy waist circumference?
Learning how to measure waist circumference accurately is the best way to know whether or not you are at risk of obesity-related illnesses. Understanding what a healthy waist size entails isn't rocket science, but it can be tricky.
Men with a waist circumference of 94 cm or more have a higher risk of developing obesity-related illnesses. On the other hand, women with a waist circumference of 80 cm or more have a higher risk of developing certain chronic diseases.
Therefore, a healthy waist circumference is one that is below 94 cm for men and below 80 cm for women. Generally, the higher the waist size, the higher the chances of developing certain illnesses such as diabetes. It is also pertinent to know that pregnant women need not bother about their waistline because it may not affect their overall health status, as each pregnancy is different from the next. But if you think your waistline could pose a risk to you during pregnancy, please see your doctor.
Men with a waist circumference of 94 cm or more have a higher risk of developing obesity-related illnesses. On the other hand, women with a waist circumference of 80 cm or more have a higher risk of developing certain chronic diseases.
Therefore, a healthy waist circumference is one that is below 94 cm for men and below 80 cm for women. Generally, the higher the waist size, the higher the chances of developing certain illnesses such as diabetes. It is also pertinent to know that pregnant women need not bother about their waistline because it may not affect their overall health status, as each pregnancy is different from the next. But if you think your waistline could pose a risk to you during pregnancy, please see your doctor.
Why should you get your body measurements assessed regularly?
There are many reasons why you should measure your body circumference regularly. A healthy weight is not difficult to maintain, but it can be difficult to lose weight once you gain it. The best way to maintain a healthy weight is to check your body's measurements regularly. Here are more reasons why we think this is extremely important for everyone.
It helps you keep track of your weight loss
If you are trying to lose weight and you know how to measure waist size, then you should be able to keep track of your progress over time. Although the scale can help you check your body's weight, it cannot tell you where you are gaining or losing weight. This is where your body's measurements come in, as it helps you understand what's happening in your body if you do it accurately.
It helps you to know if you are underweight or overweight
Having a healthy weight is a goal many put in much effort to achieve without getting the desired results. If you know how to measure your waist, you can quickly tell whether your waistline is getting too large and out of proportion.
People who are overweight have a high risk of suffering from obesity-related illnesses, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and stroke. Therefore, a healthy weight can help you get more out of life and live longer, leaving you more energy to do the enjoyable things you want to do.
But you have to know your body's measurements so you can determine where your problem areas are and work hard to stay in shape.
People who are overweight have a high risk of suffering from obesity-related illnesses, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and stroke. Therefore, a healthy weight can help you get more out of life and live longer, leaving you more energy to do the enjoyable things you want to do.
But you have to know your body's measurements so you can determine where your problem areas are and work hard to stay in shape.
It helps you to maintain your health goals
Odds are, your health goals change every year, and you keep refining them the more you understand your body (knowing what works and what doesn't). What are your health goals for the year? Do you plan to get in shape, add muscle, or lose weight fast, or maintain a healthy diet? All these are almost impossible without an accurate knowledge of your body's measurements.
Therefore, if you will successfully pursue your health goals, you should take your body circumference measurements regularly and keep track of your results over time. Read below on how to do it correctly.
Therefore, if you will successfully pursue your health goals, you should take your body circumference measurements regularly and keep track of your results over time. Read below on how to do it correctly.
How to measure your waist correctly
You don't need expensive tools to measure your waist size. If you have a measuring tape, you can measure your waist effortlessly. Here are a few steps you need to take to get an accurate measurement of your waist.
1. Take off your clothes
This is essential to get the right measurement. You mustn't measure over your clothing or be wearing anything that could put pressure on your skin as this could easily give you false results.
2. Find the narrowest part
Use your hand to locate the narrowest part of your waist. This is usually just above the hip bone. Bring the tape around your midsection and allow it to settle on that spot.
3. Don't tighten it too much
Avoid holding your breath while measuring your waist. Ensure the tape is not too tight around your body and that it's straight, especially at the back.
4. Double-check the measurement
Take the measurement twice to ensure it's accurate. Ensure you have followed the steps outlined above. If you notice an error, don't hesitate to repeat the process carefully once again.
5. Write down the measurement in your diary
This is an extremely important step as it not only helps you remember your measurement, but it also helps you to make a comparison in the future. Ensure you record it where you can easily remember and reference it anytime. Also, ensure the diary is private to you so you won't have trouble accessing it anytime you need the information.
6. Make it a habit
As simple as it is to take your body's measurement, many don't bother to do it. Knowing how to measure your waist has tremendous benefits now and in the future. But you can only reap many of these benefits if you make it a habit and do it regularly.
How to measure your waist without a measuring tape
If you want to measure your waist but don't have a measuring tape, don't panic. Here is how to measure your waist without a measuring tape. The steps involved are similar to that of using a tape. But this time, you will replace the tape with a string.
Wrap the string around the narrowest part of your waistline. Ensure it is not too tight, and avoid holding your breath so it can give you your true waist measurement.
Use scissors or a permanent marker to mark the spot where the two ends of the string meet around your waist.
Lastly, use a ruler or yardstick to measure the string. Ensure it's straight and at the exact mark you made earlier using the sting. You could just keep the string on hand for future reference.
One of the easiest and most popular parts of the body that you can measure is your waist. This post highlights how your waist measurement describes your health status and also how to measure it correctly.
Wrap the string around the narrowest part of your waistline. Ensure it is not too tight, and avoid holding your breath so it can give you your true waist measurement.
Use scissors or a permanent marker to mark the spot where the two ends of the string meet around your waist.
Lastly, use a ruler or yardstick to measure the string. Ensure it's straight and at the exact mark you made earlier using the sting. You could just keep the string on hand for future reference.
One of the easiest and most popular parts of the body that you can measure is your waist. This post highlights how your waist measurement describes your health status and also how to measure it correctly.
References
- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/risk.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4515858/
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