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Abdominal Girth
Abdominal girth (also commonly called waist circumference or abdominal circumference) is the measurement of the distance around the abdomen (torso) at a specific point. It serves as a simple, non-invasive way to assess central or abdominal obesity, particularly the accumulation of visceral fat (fat surrounding internal organs), which is more strongly linked to health risks than overall body fat.
Why It Matters in Health:
Abdominal girth is an important indicator because excess fat in the abdominal area (often described as an "apple-shaped" body type) increases the risk of several serious conditions, even if overall body weight or BMI seems normal. Key health associations include:
Higher risk of metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol, and excess abdominal fat).
Increased likelihood of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and dyslipidemia (abnormal blood fats).
It provides better insight into cardiometabolic risk than BMI alone, as it reflects visceral fat distribution.
This measurement is widely used in clinical guidelines by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), and others to screen for obesity-related risks.
How to Measure Abdominal Girth Correctly:
Use a flexible, non-stretchable tape measure. The most standard and reliable methods include:
Stand straight with feet shoulder-width apart, arms relaxed at sides, and breathe normally (do not suck in your stomach or hold your breath).
Measure at the level midway between the lowest palpable rib and the top of the iliac crest (hip bone) — this is the WHO-recommended site for consistency.
Alternatively, many practical guidelines measure at the level of the navel (belly button) or the narrowest part of the natural waist (just above the navel in most people).
Keep the tape horizontal, snug but not tight (it should not compress the skin), and take the measurement at the end of a normal exhalation.
Measure twice for accuracy and average the results.
Best done without clothing over the measurement area, in a relaxed posture.
Note: Different protocols (e.g., at the iliac crest vs. midpoint) may give slightly varying results, but differences are usually small.
Normal/Healthy Ranges and Risk Cut-Offs:
Thresholds vary slightly by guidelines, ethnicity, and organization, but common evidence-based values for adults (in cm/inches) are:
For men:
Low/increased risk: >102 cm (>40 inches) — NHLBI/ATP III standard (common in Western populations).
Some Asian-specific guidelines use >90 cm (>35.4 inches) as a threshold.
For women:
Low/increased risk: >88 cm (>35 inches) — NHLBI/ATP III standard.
Asian-specific: >80 cm (>31.5 inches) in some guidelines.
Other examples (e.g., Japanese or some regional): Men <85–90 cm, Women <90 cm for lower risk in certain populations.