To measure the waist accurately:
- Find the top of the hip bones and the bottom of the ribs on the side of the body.
- Locate the middle point between these two landmarks, which is usually just above the belly button.
- Wrap a flexible tape measure around this middle point horizontally, ensuring the tape is level with the floor.
- The tape should be snug but not tight or digging into the skin.
- Measure the waist just after breathing out naturally.
- Record the measurement, ideally taking it twice to ensure accuracy.
This method is applicable for measuring waist circumference for health assessments and comparing to height for health risk evaluations.
In summary, the waist is generally measured at the narrowest part of the torso above the hips and below the ribs, or alternatively at the belly button level, with the tape snug and horizontal.
