Waist circumference

You can get an idea of whether or not you are at risk of obesity-related chronic diseases by measuring your waist circumference. 

For men, a waist circumference of 94 centimetres or more indicates an increased risk of chronic disease and a measurement of 102 centimetres or more indicates a higher increased risk of chronic disease.  

For women, a waist circumference of 80 centimetres or more indicates an increased risk of chronic disease and a measurement of 88 centimetres or more indicates a higher increased risk of chronic disease.

These measurements apply only to adults, not to children. They also do not apply to pregnant women or people from certain non-European backgrounds, who may have different body shapes.

Generally, the larger your waist circumference, the higher your risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.