Waist Size as a Warning Sign

Your body stores fat in different places. Fat around your middle is more closely linked to blood sugar problems than fat elsewhere. This is especially true for visceral fat, the deep fat inside your belly.

Fat on your hips and thighs is less closely tied to blood sugar. That makes your waist size a useful clue, alongside your body weight.

Waist size is a simple check you can do at home. You only need a flexible tape. Measure at navel height, the level of your belly button. Write down the number and the date each time.

Your care team can show you the exact method and how often to measure.

Your scale counts your whole body weight. Your tape measures one spot, the middle.

Think of a backpack. Its total weight can stay the same while one pocket fills up.

Your waist can change even when your body weight stays the same. Track both over several weeks to see the trend. Your doctor can tell you which waist measurement is a concern for you.

Key takeaways

• Fat around the middle is more closely linked to blood sugar problems.
• Measure at navel height with a flexible tape.
• Waist and weight can move differently, so track both over several weeks.

Try it

Find a flexible tape and take one practice reading at navel height, then note the number and date.