A waist measurement is only useful if it is repeatable. Measure standing, feet together, at the end of a normal breath out, with the tape horizontal at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the top of the iliac crest. Do not measure over clothing, and do not pull the tape tight.
For South Asian adults, the IDF and Indian consensus thresholds for central obesity are 90 cm in men and 80 cm in women, lower than those used for European populations. Record the number in the notes alongside BMI so it can be tracked over time.
- Standing, relaxed, after a normal exhalation
- Midpoint between lowest rib and iliac crest, tape horizontal
- South Asian thresholds: 90 cm men, 80 cm women
- Record it next to BMI at every annual review
Why it matters
A tape measure costs nothing and picks up the metabolic risk that BMI misses in lean-looking patients.
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