Measuring belly fat is emerging as a superior way to assess overall health. Waist measurements of more than 34.5 inches for women and more than 40 inches for men have been linked with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart attack.
What should your waist measurement be? For men, a waist circumference below 94cm (37in) is 'low risk', 94–102cm (37-40in) is 'high risk' and more than 102cm (40in) is 'very high'. For women, below 80cm (31.5in) is low risk, 80–88cm (31.5-34.6in) is high risk and more than 88cm (34.6in) is very high.
This measurement is important to know as it indicates your level of abdominal fat which is significant to your health especially your heart's health. A woman's health is at risk if her waist circumference is 32 inches or more. A measurement of 35 or more puts you at high risk for a heart attack or stroke.
Generally speaking, a 28-inch waist is on the small side and indicates low abdominal fat, a marker of good health. However, having a slim waist doesn't automatically make you healthy. And you must also consider other diet and lifestyle factors.
Generally speaking, a 34-inch waist is fairly average for males or females. But whether it's big or small really depends on your gender and to whom you're comparing yourself.
For your best health, your waist should be less than 40 inches around for men, and less than 35 inches for women, although it may vary depending on race or ethnicity.
For women, a 30 inch waist is roughly 6″ smaller than the average female. So this would definitely be a good target if you're trying to improve your overall health and wellness. However, a 30 inch waist would likely be on the large side among women who exercise regularly.
extremely slim (XXS) = 26/30 (waist/length) very slim (XS) = 28/30 (waist/length) slim (S) = 30/30 (waist/length) average (M), but tight and low fitting = 32/30 (waist/length)
For women, a 27-inch waist is roughly 9″ smaller than the average female's. And even among fit women, a 27-inch waist is on the small side. So it's a good target for overall health and fitness. However, your ideal waist size depends on your body type and height.
According to the Heart Foundation, a healthy waistline size is: 37 inches or less for men. 31.5 inches or less for women.
For example, a size 14 waist in inches would typically measure around 32 inches.
A waist circumference of greater than 40 inches for men and greater than 35 inches for women is considered indicative of abdominal obesity. It carries with it increased risk for: Heart disease. Diabetes.
Waist size.
Wrap a tape measure around your waist over your belly button. (Don't suck in your stomach!) In women, 35 inches or more is a sign of visceral fat. In men, it's 40 inches.
IT doesn't matter how sparkling a woman's smile is or how lovely her eyes – a cinched-in waist is the most attractive female attribute, a study has found. The magic measurement, according to the research, is a fraction under 26 and a half inches – or a UK size 8.
US 6 - either UK 8 (Waist 26”/27" and Bust 33”/34") or UK 10 (Waist 27”/28" and Bust 35”/36") US 8 - either UK 10 (Waist 27”/28" and Bust 35”/36") or UK 12 (Waist 29”/30" and Bust 37”/38") US 10 - either UK 12 (Waist 29”/30" and Bust 37”/38") or UK 14 (Waist 31”/32" and Bust 39”/40")
Generally, a waist circumference equal to half your height is considered a healthy target. For example, if you're 5'2″, your ideal waist measurement would be around 31 inches (62″ x 0.5 = 31″). On the other hand, if you're 6'2″, your ideal waist measurement would be roughly 37 inches (74″ x 0.5 = 37″).
For example, a size 10, a medium, and a waist size 28 are all the same size…
In general, keep waist circumference to less than half your height. For example, for a 6-foot man (72 inches), a healthy waist size would be anything less than 36 inches. For a 5-foot-2 woman (62 inches), a healthy waist size would be anything less than 31 inches.
A healthy waist size for both men and women is 29 inches since it places you in the low-risk group for diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Nevertheless, a 29′′ waist might appear much wider or smaller than it is based on your height, hips, and body type.