Ideal Waist Measurements & Health

Two thirds of adults in the U.S. are overweight and almost 1/3 are obese, which puts people at risk for heart disease and stroke, according to Dr. Robert Eckel, president of the American Heart Association. Sadly, only 42 percent of Americans are aware that a large waistline, regardless of weight, puts them at risk for heart disease and stroke.

Large Waist and Health

Those that carry more fat around their abdomen have more visceral fat that surrounds their internal organs. Unlike fat that accumulates around hips, thighs and elsewhere, visceral fat is thought to promote inflammation, which is linked to heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.

Weight vs. Waist Size

A larger waist, regardless of weight, puts you at greater risk of dying from cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease. Although obesity is often correlated with waist size -- those that are heavier usually have larger waists as well -- those that are of normal weight but have a large waist are at greater risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Ideal Waist Size for Men

The American Heart Association recommends a waist size of 40 inches or less for men. According to the Mayo Clinic's Dr. Michael Jensen, men are more likely than women to gain weight around the middle. An American Cancer Society study that tracked more than 100,000 participants found that men with waists larger than 47 inches had twice the risk of death over the course of nine years compared with men with a waistline of less than 35 inches.

Ideal Waist Size for Women

The American Heart Association recommends a waist size of 35 inches or less for women. The same American Cancer Society study that tracked 100,000 participants found that women with waists larger than 42 inches had twice the mortality risk of women with waists less than 30 inches.

Measuring Waist Size

To measure your waist, wrap a tape measure around your bare abdomen just above the hipbone. Make sure the tape measure is snug around you but does not dig in to your skin. Measure your waist on exhaling; avoid sucking in your stomach.