The average waist size for adult women in the U.S. is around 38.5 inches (98 cm), but this varies by age, with younger adults having smaller averages than older adults, while a waist over 35 inches (88 cm) is linked to increased health risks like heart disease and diabetes, notes. Health guidelines suggest women keep their waist circumference under 31.5 inches (80 cm) for lower risk, and under 35 inches (88 cm) for increased risk, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Cancer Council NSW, and Heart Foundation.
Waist size for women:
Ideal: < 80cm (32”)
In 2022, the average waist measurement for adults was 95.1cm (99.3cm for males and 91.0cm for females). More than two in three (67.9%) adults had measured waist circumference that put them at an increased risk of disease. This has increased from six in ten (62.9%) adults in 2011–12.
Waist size is measured by taking the circumference of the area between the rib cage and the navel. For men, sizes above 37 inches qualify as overweight and above 40 inches is classified as obese. Women with waist sizes above 34.6 inches are termed obese and above 31.5 inches they are overweight.
Is a 27-Inch Waist Small for Women? The average waist size for American women is 35.6 inches. That means a 27-inch waist would be smaller than 95% of average women.
The perception of a "skinny" waist size can vary based on factors such as body shape, height, and personal preferences. Generally, a waist size below 26 inches can be considered relatively slim or skinny.
Requirements for Fit Models
Ideal measurements can vary greatly from brand to brand; however, here are some general guidelines: Women: Bust: 34-35 inches | Waist: 26-27 inches | Hips: 36-37 inches. Men: Chest: 38-40 inches | Waist: 32-34 inches | Inseam: 32-34 inches.
A waist size of about 32 inches or more indicates that you have an increased risk of health problems. A waist size of about 35 inches or more indicates that you have a high risk of health problems.
Reducing your waist circumference by 4 cm can have massive benefits to your risk profile and reduce your chances of developing diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
You are an hourglass shape if your waist is at least 25% smaller than your shoulders or bust (calculate by using your waist measurement and divide it by your shoulders and bust) and your waist is at least 25% smaller than your hips (calculate your waist measurement divided by your hips) and your shoulder and hip ...
In Australia, a size 12 is generally considered a "straight" or "missy" size, falling within average ranges, but due to vanity sizing and inconsistent measurements across brands, it can represent different body sizes; health-wise, a larger waist (over 88cm for women) is a risk factor, and the actual average Australian woman is now closer to a size 16-18, meaning a size 12 is smaller than average, though "fat" is a subjective term related to body image and health metrics like BMI, not just a single number.
A combination of things happens as we age. We tend to lose muscle mass, so our abdominal muscles aren't as tight as they once were, and the loss of elastin and collagen in our skin allows gravity to have its way so skin starts to sag. Both can cause the waistline to expand.
A 70kg woman usually falls into a Medium (M) to Large (L) dress size, depending heavily on height, body proportions (bust, waist, hips), and the specific brand's sizing, with some charts placing 70kg at the upper end of Medium and others at the lower end of Large. For example, some guides link 70kg with a Medium, while others connect it to a Large, so checking the brand's specific size chart with your measurements (bust, waist, hips) is crucial.
An ideal female body looks like this:
Yes, a 24-inch waist is definitely small. In fact, it's quite rare for most adults to have a waist that small unless they have a very small frame or are very thin.
From a health perspective, waist size also reflects the risk of obesity-related diseases like heart disease and diabetes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO): Thus, a 70cm waistline is still within the healthy range.
The most common stubborn fat areas include the belly, thighs, hips, lower back, upper arms, and neck. These regions tend to store fat more easily and resist weight loss, making them challenging for many people. Fat in these areas is often influenced by factors like hormones, genetics, and lifestyle choices.
One reason for belly fat is a sedentary lifestyle. Even skinny people can spend too much time in front of the television or computer screen, and this can encourage what little extra fat they have to settle into the stomach. A diet high in processed foods can also cause belly fat, even in skinny people.
A waist circumference of greater than 40 inches for men and greater than 35 inches for women is "considered elevated and indicative of increased cardiometabolic (heart disease-related) risk," said Craig Peters, DO, an HonorHealth cardiologist.
Those who slept an average of 6 hours or less per night had a waist circumference of 1.2 inches larger than those who slept an average of 9 hours. Shorter sleep was also associated with an increased BMI and lower levels of the good cholesterol, HDL.
People who regularly eat and drink more calories than they burn each day are more likely to gain extra weight, including belly fat. Getting older also makes a difference. People lose muscle as they age. And the problem is worse for those who are not physically active.
Generally speaking, many models in this elite circle range from about 110 to 130 pounds (50 to 59 kg), but this number can fluctuate depending on various factors.