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Weight & Waist Measurement

1. Patients are asked to remove their heavy outer garments (jacket, coat,  etc.) and shoes. View image
2. The patient stands in the centre of the platform, weight distributed evenly to both feet. Standing off-centre may affect measurement. Wait until the (digital) read out is steady, then record read out in Kilograms.

Waist Circumference Measurement

Sex	Healthy	Increased risk	High risk
Male	69 – 94 cm   27 – 37 in	94 – 101 cm   37 – 39 in	More than   101 cm / 40 in
Female	61 – 80 cm   24 – 32 in	80 – 87 cm   32 – 34 in	More than 87 cm / 35 in

NOTE: Consider referral for all patients in high-risk category to Dietitian

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This measurement is preferable to BMI as it is better at defining risk, but is less reproducible.

Checking of measuring tape:

The length of the measuring tape should be checked with the calibrated length rod (usually the 150 cm one) at least once per month. If the measuring tape is stretched it should be replaced.

Waist circumference measurement procedure:

• Stand patient with feet hip distance apart
• Mark the half way point between the top of the iliac crest and the rib cage
• Place the measuring tape around the patients waist under clothing
• Make sure the tape is snug but does not dig in
• Ask patient to relax and not to hold their breath
• Take the measure from the 0cm mark

Additional points to note:

The measurer should stand at the side of the participant in order to have a clear view.

1. Patients should be standing with their feet fairly close together (about 12-15 cm) with their weight equally distributed to each leg. Patients are asked to breathe normally; the reading of the measurement should be taken at the end of gentle exhaling. This will prevent patients from contracting their abdominal muscles or from holding their breath.
2. Measurements are recorded to the resolution of the tape (nearest millimetre/half centimetre).

Position of waist circumference measurement:

Waist circumference should be measured at a level midway between the lower rib margin and iliac crest with the tape all around the body in horizontal position.

View image of position of waist circumference measurement

Self-reported waist circumference:

If the participant is immobile or declines to have his/her waist circumference measured, this fact should be recorded in the patient assessment. Self-reported waist circumference is not acceptable as a substitute.

Waist circumference exceeds the length of the tape:

If the waist circumference exceeds the length of the tape, this fact should be recorded in the data collection form together with the maximum length of the tape.

This work has been completed with the support of Lilly UK through an educational grant, which includes permission to use the basic IT structure and design of the website and the provision of Project Management training to the project team.