Waist size and body mass index (BMI)
Measuring your waist size
Carrying too much fat around your waist can increase your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and stroke[1]. Check your waist size by wrapping a tape measure around the space between the bottom of your ribs and top of your hips. Guidelines on a healthy waist size differ for men and women.
Find out your BMI
Use this BMI calculator from the NHS to give you an idea of what a healthy weight range might be for you.
Things to bear in mind about BMI
The BMI calculator can't tell the difference between muscle, fat or bone[2].
Your BMI result doesn't take into account age, sex or muscle mass[2].
BMI calculator results don't apply if you have an eating disorder. Please speak to your GP, a pharmacist or NHS 111 for support[2].
If you're pregnant, you should enter your pre-pregnancy weight[2].
Published
October 2021
Next review
October 2022
Reviewed by
Gill Stone MRPharmS
References
1.
Why is my waist size important? nhs.uk. Published June 26, 2018. Accessed March 1, 2021.
https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/lifestyle/why-is-my-waist-size-important/2.
BMI calculator | Check your BMI. nhs.uk. Published October 19, 2018. Accessed March 1, 2021.
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/bmi-calculator/
