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How do you measure your waist circumference?

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  • Get started>
  • Are you a healthy weight?>
  • How do you measure your waist circumference?
  • In this section
  • Before you start
  • Are you a healthy weight?
    • Why is a healthy weight important?
    • The benefits of losing weight
    • Body mass index (BMI)
    • How do you measure your BMI?
    • BMI calculator
    • Waist circumference
    • How do you measure your waist circumference?
  • Planning for change

Woman measuring her waist while standing on a large tape measureWhen measuring your waist circumference, follow these simple steps:

  • Use a tape measure that is not old or stretched.
  • Take off your jacket, coat or other bulky clothing and loosen your belt and empty your pockets.
  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Wrap the tape around your belly, directly against your skin if you can, and breathe out normally.
  • The tape measure should be placed about halfway between the bottom of your lowest rib and the top of your hip bones, roughly in line with your belly button. It should be loose enough for you to be able to slip a finger inside the tape.
  • Record your waist measurement in centimetres.

If you are registered with the Healthy Weight Guide website, it can keep track of your waist measurement for you. 

Registering gives you access to tools that will help you to...

Plan

Record your goals and plans

Track

Monitor your progress

Achieve

Celebrate your achievements

View Demo Register Now

Tools

  • BMI Calculator
  • Quizzes
  • Goal setting form
  • Meal and physical activity planners
  • Finding local activities
  • Print resources

Links

  • Commonwealth Government links
  • State and Territory links
  • Non-government organisation links
  • More links

Frequently asked questions

About the Healthy Weight Guide

  • What is the Healthy Weight Guide?
  • Who is the Healthy Weight Guide for?
  • How do you use the Healthy Weight Guide?
  • How was the Healthy Weight Guide developed?
  • Terms and conditions
  • Copyright
  • Privacy & Security
  • Accessibility
  • Contact us
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