Fat around your waist has been linked to an increased chance of developing dementia, reports Harvard Medical School. Being apple-shaped--with a larger midsection--can also increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. If your waist measures greater than 40 inches if you're a man, or more than 35 inches if you're a woman, you should take steps to reduce your waistline through diet and exercise.
Step 1
Remove your clothing or push it up or down to get it out of the way of your waist. Trying to measure through your clothing adds bulk, which will make the measurement inaccurate.
Step 2
Put your fingers on your belly button. Slide your fingers over from this point to the side of your torso and feel around until you find the top of your hip bone.
Step 3
Place the end of the tape measure flat against your belly button. Put your thumb over the end to hold it in place and wrap the tape measure all the way around you, with bottom of the tape measure positioned so that it meets the top of the hip bone on either side of your torso. Check to make sure the tape measure isn't twisted, but lies flat all the way around your body.
Step 4
Bring the tape measure around to the front to the end resting at your belly button. Exhale and pull the tape snug but don't let it dig into your skin. Note where the tape meets up with the free end at your belly button. This is your waist measurement.
Tips and Warnings
- Have a friend take the measurement for you. If you're by yourself, stand in front of a mirror to help you check the positioning of the tape.
- Don't suck in your gut. Relax and stand up straight.
Things You'll Need
- Flexible tape measure
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