Excess belly fat isn't just an issue of vanity. If you have too much abdominal fat, you may be at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic disturbances, according to Harvard Medical School. In fact, excess belly fat may be a better predictor of health problems than your general body mass ratio, or BMI. If you're not sure whether you have a dangerous amount of abdominal fat, you can check by calculating your waist-to-hip ratio or simply by measuring the circumference of your waist.
Step 1
Measure your waist at its narrowest point. Don't pull the tape measure so tight it digs into your skin; this will distort your measurements.
Step 2
Measure your hips at their widest point. Let the tape measure rest loosely on your body instead of pulling it tight.
Step 3
Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. For example, if your waist measurement was 35 and your hip measurement was 42, your waist-to-hip ratio is 0.83. Health risks rise at a ratio of about 0.8 or higher, according to Harvard Medical School.
Step 4
Measure your waist along your navel. Women may be at risk for health problems if their waist circumference is 35 inches or more, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Men are at increased risk if their waist measures 40 inches or more.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your abdominal fat. Changing your diet and exercising more may help you lose excess abdominal weight.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Calculator
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