Ok so we have talked about Body Mass Index as a means of measuring obesity.  This post will now address another method used by health professionals to assess the risk of developing obesity-related diseases.  The method is the measurement of the waist circumference.

Waist Circumference

This is a measure of how fat is distributed, particularly around the centre of the body.  Unfortunately (for me), being overweight or obese with the fat concentrated around the middle makes you even more likely to suffer from heart disease or develop diabetes.  I say unfortunate because even though I am losing weight quite nicely at the moment, I do still have a fairly substantial belly region. 🙁 – Three children in quick succession seems to have taken its toll on my stomach muscles (Excuses, excuses!).

Moving on…

For men, if your waistline is greater than 94cm (37 inches) you have an increased risk of developing any of the above concerns.  For women, the cut-off point seems to be 80cm (32 inches).  However, you have SUBSTANTIAL risk if you are male and have a waistline of above 102cm (40 inches) or female with a waistline of 88cm(35inches) or above.  I have to say this applies only if you are white according to NICE.  If you are Asian, then different rules apply – 90cm in men while the female cut off is the same.  I cannot seem to find any information about black people but NICE seems to be in the process of undertaking some research to address the issue.  I will have to update this information later. (someone reading this in a year or so, please remind me to check, Thanks Future blog reader 🙂 )

How to measure waist circumference

Unsurprisingly, it is exactly the way you would imagine.

• Get out a measuring tape. Now do you have one?  If you are not into sewing and things, not sure why you would so I thought I would take it upon myself to suggest one to you. A good basic tape measure that does what you need it to. Click [amazon_link id=”B003DH5LU6″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]here[/amazon_link] or [amazon_link id=”B000G7YW7Y” target=”_blank” locale=”US” container=”” container_class=”” ]here [/amazon_link](if you are in the US)
• Measure around your belly
• Wear really light underwear or nothing at all around your waistline.
• The place to measure is just below the belly button. Try to always measure the same part of your middle each time you do this.
• Breathe normally, none of that holding your belly in.  You may as well get a true picture of yourself so you know what you are working with.

Simples!

Well, in theory, now you have some tools to use to help you stay in control of your weight, you just need to keep tracking.

I am developing a spreadsheet or something along those lines to help you track your numbers.  If you are interested, please fill in your name and email address to the top right.  You will be one of the first to receive it when ready.

Isn’t it funny that sometimes in order to grow bigger mentally and emotionally (personal growth), one becomes smaller physically?  Till the next time…