Are you at risk? Measure your waistline!

Waist circumference is a very practical tool to assess the risk of developing various diseases. Contrary to the body mass index, which only calculates the ratio between height and weight, waist circumference can verify where fat is accumulating. It is important to take this measurement, because the fat located around the abdomen is far more harmful to health, especially “visceral” fat, located near the internal organs.

Which waistline is risky?

The National Health, Lung and Blood Institute states that a waist larger than 94 cm (about 38 inches) for men and 80 cm (about 32 inches) for women poses high risks of developing various diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure, and even some cancers. It is however interesting to know that reducing your waistline by a mere 5 cm can significantly lower risks for these diseases. I invite you to measure your waistline, you could be surprised!

How to reduce our waist circumference?

To lose abdominal fat, it is necessary to combine cardiovascular exercise and a healthy nutrition. This means doing more moderate intensity cardio work, and eating quality foods in adequate quantities. You will not lose this layer of fat only by performing sit-ups… You have to do cardio to burn this fat! The good news is that during a weight loss process that combines a healthy nutrition and exercise, the body will have the tendency to use “visceral” fat for energy. This is encouraging!

You will not lose this layer of fat only by performing sit-ups.

Use your waistline measurement to assess your progression, instead of relying only on your weight on the balance. To measure your circumference, place the measuring tape on your navel. Make sure to take the measurement at the same place every time for a standardized test. So go get your running shoes, vegetables, and measuring tapes!

I also invite you to watch my presentation during the show “Ça commence bien” on V télé (French only)!

Are you at risk? Measure your waistline! is a post from Nautilus Plus. The Nautilus Plus blog aims to help people in their journey to fitness through articles on training, nutrition, motivation, exercise and healthy recipes.
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