Health Tip: Measuring Waist Circumference

(HealthDay News) -- Research has shown that excess abdominal fat is a good indicator that you''re at higher risk for conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, the National Dairy Council says.

A waist circumference of greater than 40 for men and 35 for women is cause for concern, the council suggests.

The organization offers these suggestions on how to measure your waist circumference:

• Find the upper hip bone and the top of the right iliac crest, the portion of the pelvic bone at the belt line.
• Wrap a measuring tape around your middle at the level of the belt area at the top of your pelvic bone.
• Breathe out -- don''t hold your breath or suck in your stomach.
• Make sure the measuring tape is not too loose or too tight around your middle, and make sure you aren''t holding the tape at an angle.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Jan. 17, 2007

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