Do you know your ideal waist size...

Daniegirl2011
Daniegirl2011 Posts: 13 Member
edited October 4 in Health and Weight Loss
We all know that belly fat is bad. Dr. Oz says we should all have a waist size that's half our height in inches. For instance I'm 54 which is 64 inches so my ideal waist size would be 32 inches. I'm not there yet but I'm certainly working towards it. According to him, this application can be applied to everyone including kids. So that was a nugget for anyone who needed it.

Question: what's been your best helping in fighting against belly fat? Also to my ladies who've had babies, have you seen real success in killing the pooch?

Replies

  • Ely82010
    Ely82010 Posts: 1,998 Member
    I am 5 feet, so my "ideal" waist size should be 30 inches? That is crazy, too big for my body type. I am 24.5 and still about 2 inches more of what I used to be. Good thing that I don't watch Dr. Oz.
  • morganadk2_deleted
    morganadk2_deleted Posts: 1,696 Member
    i'm 64 inch so my waist should be 32???

    but my bmi is 27 issh and my waist is 31 at the mo!
  • sms1986
    sms1986 Posts: 113 Member
    I'm 5 foot 9 and a half, or 69 inches, so 34.5ins sounds reasonable, but I'm not sure how accurate this is.
  • krnlcsf
    krnlcsf Posts: 310
    I think this shouldn't be called "ideal" waist size... but actually should be called "Healthy" waist size... likely what is meant by this is that if you are whatever your height dictats OR SMALLER then that is ideal. :)
    I'm 5'9" and currently have a 29.5 inch waist, and i'd say there's still room for improvement.
  • circusmom
    circusmom Posts: 662 Member
    Maybe a healthy waist size is half your height, but not an ideal size. I'm 5'6" and at the smallest part of my waist I'm 27", at the navel I'm 29.5", and 1 inch below my navel I'm 31.5". All of these measurements are less than 33 inches, but far from my ideal waist size, since I still have a layer of fat covering the abs that I know are hiding under there!!!
  • FaithHopeBELIEVE
    FaithHopeBELIEVE Posts: 626
    I am 5 feet, so my "ideal" waist size should be 30 inches? That is crazy, too big for my body type. I am 24.5 and still about 2 inches more of what I used to be. Good thing that I don't watch Dr. Oz.

    That's what i was just thinking. I am 62" tall so I should be 31? I am 28" right now and still 25% body fat and 116 lbs.
  • kimiel51
    kimiel51 Posts: 299 Member
    I think that Dr. Oz was just saying that your waist shouldn't be MORE than half your height in inches!
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    This is called the "waist to height" ratio, and is not something new. It's what medical professionals use, in combination with BMI, to determine healthy weight. This measurement is the point at which your waist size ceases to be a risk factor for obesity related diseases. That means that it is the absolute highest number your waist can be and still not be a risk factor. That's not exactly the "ideal". Lower is better.
  • Leigh_D
    Leigh_D Posts: 356 Member
    http://www.webmd.com/diet/calc-bmi-plus

    Put your information in here, and on the results page it has a graph of height to weight size with colors to indicate health risk also correlated to body shape (pear, apple, etc)
    The WebMD BMI Plus Calculator will calculate:

    BMI – Body Mass Index
    BMI is used to find out if a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese

    Waist-to-Height Ratio
    Body shape (determined by Waist-to-Height Ratio) is often considered to be the best indicator of health related to weight.

    RMR – Resting Metabolic Rate
    The number of calories you burn if you do nothing all day.

    Healthy Body Weight Range
    The range with the least risk of weight-related health problems.

    Daily Caloric Intake
    The recommended number of calories from food/drinks to meet your weight goals.

    Target Heart Rate
    The heart rate needed to achieve maximum exercise results.
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    The NHS says:

    You have a higher risk of health problems if your waist size waist (circumference) is:

    * more than 94cm (37 inches), if you’re a man
    * more than 80cm (31.5 inches), if you’re a woman

    Your risk of health problems is higher still if your waist size is:

    * more than 102cm (40 inches), if you’re a man
    * more than 88cm (34.5 inches), if you’re a woman

    So I'm aiming for 31 inches, then I'll think about vanity size later :)
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    The NHS says:

    You have a higher risk of health problems if your waist size waist (circumference) is:

    * more than 94cm (37 inches), if you’re a man
    * more than 80cm (31.5 inches), if you’re a woman

    Your risk of health problems is higher still if your waist size is:

    * more than 102cm (40 inches), if you’re a man
    * more than 88cm (34.5 inches), if you’re a woman

    So I'm aiming for 31 inches, then I'll think about vanity size later :)

    But those are very generic guidelines and applicable only to a average sized person. A 31.5 in waist on someone 5'1" is going to be more unhealthy than a 31.5 in waist on someone that is 5'10". That's why the ratio is used.
  • Espressocycle
    Espressocycle Posts: 2,245 Member
    I don't even know where to measure. My belly button is 43 inches, but my 36" pants sit comfortably two inches lower.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    I don't even know where to measure. My belly button is 43 inches, but my 36" pants sit comfortably two inches lower.

    To measure your waist circumference, use a tape measure. Start at the top of the hip bone, then bring it all the way around -- level with your navel. Make sure it's not too tight and that it is parallel with the floor. Don't hold your breath while measuring it!

    http://www.webmd.com/diet/calculating-your-waist-circumference__
  • FelizMi
    FelizMi Posts: 79 Member
    I don't even know where to measure. My belly button is 43 inches, but my 36" pants sit comfortably two inches lower.

    To measure your waist circumference, use a tape measure. Start at the top of the hip bone, then bring it all the way around -- level with your navel. Make sure it's not too tight and that it is parallel with the floor. Don't hold your breath while measuring it!

    http://www.webmd.com/diet/calculating-your-waist-circumference__

    Here's my problem, my measurement around my navel is the smallest, and tha's where the waist line of my pants sit. Even naked, it's like I have a belt built in my body that cinches there but creates a permanent muffin top above that sticks out maybe 2 inches on all sides, except the back is not so bad, and then another glob of fat below that sticks out two inches as well. And in the back below my waist line is my big butt. I call it my two bellies, upper belly and lower belly.
  • Ely82010
    Ely82010 Posts: 1,998 Member
    I don't even know where to measure. My belly button is 43 inches, but my 36" pants sit comfortably two inches lower.

    To measure your waist circumference, use a tape measure. Start at the top of the hip bone, then bring it all the way around -- level with your navel. Make sure it's not too tight and that it is parallel with the floor. Don't hold your breath while measuring it!

    http://www.webmd.com/diet/calculating-your-waist-circumference__

    Sorry to disagree, but the navel is not at the waist, it is below. The "real/natural" wais is between the navel and the bottom rib. I think that the problem started with the new "low cut" pant fashion that seats too low at the abs, not at the real waist.

    Look at the ladies from the 30s, 40s, and 50s, when a small waist and fashion were in vogue, and you will see the difference.
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    But those are very generic guidelines and applicable only to a average sized person. A 31.5 in waist on someone 5'1" is going to be more unhealthy than a 31.5 in waist on someone that is 5'10". That's why the ratio is used.
    Oh, I absolutely agree, but what a great simple, single measurement for the populace to aim for and improve the health of a nation rather than BMIs and fat percentages which create confusion even before people decide to diet.

    With 60% of the UK overweight and a quarter of adults obese, a generic waist size to aim for would help far more people than it would hinder.

    It also puts paid to the "It's all muscle" argument.
  • kyle4jem
    kyle4jem Posts: 1,400 Member
    As everybody's build is different, I do not believe there is an ideal waist size or a magic ratio to work towards.

    Berry's right... the NHS guidelines are just that... guidelines which are very simple to understand as we all know our clothing sizes.

    I am 64" small (1,63m) was a 32" waist until my 30s. I was healthy but still plump in places.

    Unlike most fat men, I can't wear my trousers under my belly. They sit around my middle intersecting my naval. I'm currently a Blue Harbour 42" (which is probably a normal 44") - I was a BH 44" before I started MFP and still use all my old trousers, but just need to tighten my belts more :happy:
  • kimkimchi
    kimkimchi Posts: 58
    Hm, I don't know if that makes sense. I'm 64" so my "healthy" waist size should be 32". I'm currently at 31", but I'm also 30lbs overweight and my BMI is in the "overweight" category. o_o This seems wrong.
  • BArdovino78
    BArdovino78 Posts: 66
    5'4" and I have a 25" waist and that's perfect for me
  • CoryIda
    CoryIda Posts: 7,870 Member
    I believe Dr. Oz was actually saying that a waist size of 1/2 your height in inches is the maximum for reducing your risk of weight related issues. It can be smaller, but that puts you at a waist to heigh ratio of .50 or less.

    I am 5'10" and I started out with a 45.5" waist. For my height, anything under 35" is healthy. Mine is now 27.5"
  • jemachharo
    jemachharo Posts: 144 Member
    I'M 5'7" (67"). My goal is the 33" waist. I will be thrilled when I get there.
  • dendra7
    dendra7 Posts: 113 Member
    Oh, this thread is making me pleased that I've lowered my overweight related risk factors....even if I still want a couple less inches on my waist. Thanks for that. Phew.
  • Meow10nine10
    Meow10nine10 Posts: 1
    I'm 5' 0.6" so my ideal waistline according to Dr. Oz would be 30.3 inches. I'm 24.5 right now and I still need to lose some inches off my waist 0-0
  • igotabulletproofheart
    igotabulletproofheart Posts: 104 Member
    Dr Oz is an idiot and full of bs.

    I'm 5'2, my waist is currently half of my height at 31" but it does not look healthy. I'm aiming for 28", thank you very much, Dr Oz.
  • dimislakis
    dimislakis Posts: 1
    I thing when we will have this "ideal waist size" we will have 6 pack also :smile:
    I do a kettlebell workout and my waist size is about 86 cm,not so big.So I thing when I will have my ideal waist size I will have a waist with 6 pack or at least a very flat waist!
  • fugrman
    fugrman Posts: 1 Member
    Yes I do know my waist size. 35 inches
    But how do I know if i am not healthy ? I am 5'5 inches
  • MissJenniLee
    MissJenniLee Posts: 108 Member
    You can find waist to hieght calculators online. I wouldn't say its ideal though as Im 5'5" with a 32" waist. I have a mommy pudge and would hardly call this ideal. I would consider 29" for my size ideal. At least, its my goal for my waist. Although, 32" isn't a horrible waistline.
  • MissJenniLee
    MissJenniLee Posts: 108 Member
    Your waist is technically 1" above the navel.
  • mikevandewetering
    mikevandewetering Posts: 155 Member
    My waist size is 32'' i beleave and i am aiming to be 30'' or bellow
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