My waist is NOT what I want it to be.
In fact, my waist is one of the key motivating factors behind my desire to lose weight. My belly is the main reason I can no longer buy the shirts and dresses I enjoyed in the days of my yesteryear. My midsection no longer has a shape- other than plump. My torso has just expanded in every direction until now there is really no telling where my waist begins or ends.
I've heard varying explanations by experts telling what proper waist measurements should be. One such calculation is known as the waist to height comparison and I've included a WHtR calculator (courtesy of Calculatorpro.com)for you to use to check your own measurements:
The WHtR Calculator calculates the waist to height ratio for a body size and body fat measurement that is said to be an even better measurement than calculating BMI (Body Mass Index). Enter in your waist size in inches and your height in inches into the fields above and press calculate to find your waist to height ratio.
The following chart helps you determine if your WHtR falls in a healthy range (these ratios are percentages):
WOMEN
• Ratio less than 35: Abnormally Slim to Underweight
• Ratio 35 to 42: Extremely Slim
• Ratio 42 to 46: Healthy
• Ratio 46 to 49: Healthy
• Ratio 49 to 54: Overweight
• Ratio 54 to 58: Seriously Overweight
• Ratio over 58: Highly Obese
MEN
• Ratio less than 35: Abnormally Slim to Underweight
• Ratio 35 to 43: Extremely slim
• Ratio 43 to 46: Healthy
• Ratio 46 to 53: Healthy, Normal Weight
• Ratio 53 to 58: Overweight
• Ratio 58 to 63: Extremely Overweight/Obese
• Ratio over 63: Highly Obese
The WHtR is thought to give a more accurate assessment of health since the most dangerous place to carry weight is in the abdomen. Fat in the abdomen, which is associated with a larger waist, can lead to diabetes, elevated blood pressure or heart disease.
There is also a WAIST TO HIP ratio that compares your waist and hip measurements. Research shows that people with "apple-shaped" bodies (with more weight around the waist) face more health risks than those with "pear-shaped" bodies who carry more weight around the hips.
Waist Hip Ratio is calculated by dividing the measurement of your waist by the measurement of your hips.
Measure your hip circumference at its widest part.
Measure your Waist Circumference at the belly button or just above it.
•A healthy waist hip ratio for women is 0.8 or lower.
•A healthy ratio for men is 1.0 or lower.
•Ratios above 0.8 for women and 1.0 for men are associated with obesity and are linked to greater risk for health complications and diseases.
Regardless of the ratio you choose to use,
when it comes to your waist- choose to lose!
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