Test Rationale:
Waist circumference (WC) is commonly used to assess abdominal obesity and has been established as a predictor of increased morbidity and mortality independent of body mass index. Individuals with increased WC values are more likely to have hypertension, type II diabetes, dislipidemia, and the metabolic syndrome than individuals with normal WC values regardless of weight status. In addition, WC predicts the development of diabetes beyond that explained by commonly evaluated cardio metabolic risk factors including blood pressure, lipoproteins, glucose levels, and body mass index.
How To Conduct:
Equipment:
K-E Anthropometric tape or equivalent
Procedure:
Clear the client’s abdomen of all clothing and accessories. Position the client with feet shoulder width apart and arms crossed over the chest in relaxed manner. Take a position to the right side of the client’s body on one knee.
Using the NIH protocol, the waist circumference measurement should be taken at the top of the iliac crest. To find this landmark, palpate the upper right hipbone of the client until you locate the uppermost lateral border of the iliac crest. Draw a horizontal line at this landmark at the midline of the body.
Position the tape directly around the abdomen so that the inferior edge of the tape is at the level of the land marked point. Use a cross-handed technique to bring the zero line of the tape in line with the measuring aspect of the tape. Ensure that the measuring tape is positioned in a horizontal plane around the abdomen. Apple tension to the tape to ensure it is snug, without causing indentation to the skin. At the end of a normal expiration, take the measurement to the nearest 0.5cm.
Test Results:
Normal Men: Less than 40 inches
Normal Woman: Less than 35 inches
Above Normal Men: Greater than 40 inches
Above Normal Woman: Greater than 35 inches