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📏 Body & Appearance
Is my waist size healthy?
Check your waist measurement against health risk thresholds.
cm
Measure around navel, standing relaxed
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).