Is my waist size healthy?

Is your waist size healthy?

Waist circumference is considered a better predictor of health risk than BMI because it measures visceral (belly) fat directly. The WHO defines risk thresholds at 94 cm for men and 80 cm for women.

WHO waist circumference risk categories

• Men — Low risk: <94 cm (<37 in)
• Men — Increased risk: 94-102 cm (37-40 in)
• Men — High risk: >102 cm (>40 in)
• Women — Low risk: <80 cm (<31.5 in)
• Women — Increased risk: 80-88 cm (31.5-35 in)
• Women — High risk: >88 cm (>35 in)

Average waist circumference (NHANES)

• US Men: 100.5 cm (39.6 in) — above the risk threshold!
• US Women: 96.9 cm (38.1 in) — above the high-risk threshold!
• The average has increased by 5 cm in 20 years

Sources: WHO waist circumference guidelines, CDC NHANES anthropometric data (2024).