Between you and me, we don’t really need anyone to tell us if we’re too fat or too thin, right?
Yet if we need a kick in the hmmhmm to face the fitness or fat loss music, then some tools of measure can help us do just that.
Besides how your clothes are fitting, what can you count on? BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, the bathroom scale…which is the best of these health assessments to use?
Probably all 4 of them together will give you the best overall picture and information when it comes to health and disease risk assessment. Or if you just want some good feedback on setting your weight loss and body composition goals.
The problem with BMI, or body mass index, is that a simple weight-to-height measure don’t tell the whole story. Same for the bathroom scale. What if you are more muscled than the average person? Or have heavier bones? Don’t laugh, as a solid-bones girl I swear there’s something to this one.
Which brings us to finding your waist-to-hip ratio as another simple assessment. How do you accurately find your waist to hip ratio? Where do you measure? Though it may sound obvious, “waist” and “hip” can be found in a variety of places it seems.
In this short video, find out exactly where and how to measure to get the important measures for finding your waist to hip ratio.
Here are some charts and tools to help:
Waist circumference criteria:
Waist to hip ratio norms:
Having accurate starting points with these assessments can be very helpful in helping you gauge your progress.
I say all cards on the table when it comes to fitness, health, weight loss and fat loss. It’s time to put your big girl pants on and get a reality check. Fear of the bathroom scale and numbers gives away your power.
Find out what your numbers are. Feel the fear and do it anyway.
And take back your power.
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Hey Lani! Thanks for the video – AND the clarifications. It just makes sense to put several measures into the mix, just as you say. Since I have a short waist (which I’ve heard you say you have, too) what do you find the best way to find your waist measurement?
Thanks!
Cassandra
Hey Cassandra, thanks for your note.
For me, waist measure is right above the belly button. Lift ribs up a little from hips and it tends to reveal itself. By the way, that tells us a lot about posture and profile, doesn’t it?
Lani
Lani,
It’s nice to know we don’t have to rely on one measure to make or break us. Thanks for the enlightening info!
For example, with BMI I’m borderline but waist-to-hip is fast approaching ideal. I’m following the dietary guidelines from Booty Camp (I strayed a little, but coming back by your new site and all the information has gotten me reinspired!) and it’s amazing how the fluff melts when I follow your simple plan.
Jennifer
Jennifer, well congratulations! It’s not the never-falling-off that makes the winners – it’s the always getting back ON! Go Jenn go!
Thrilled that you’ve come by for inspiration and got it. You made my day.
Lani, thanks for this info. I’m going to have to go measure again, as my waist measurement puts me in the low-risk category, but the ratio puts me in the very high. Depressing, after losing 92 pounds! Now I have more work to do!
92 lbs Cloudy! Oh my, congratulations! Well, that’s why multiple measures are good – you can get a better assessment than with just isolated numbers. Would love to hear more of your story, and how did you find the Plant-Strong Fitness Blog?
Lani