BMI and Waist Circumference
Equipment
- Scale
- Tape measure or a piece of string
- Yardstick
- Pencil
Directions:
Weight:
- 1. With shoes off, measure your weight on a scale.
- 2. Record this measurement.
Height:
- 1. With shoes off, stand with your back to the wall, heels close together and as close as possible to the wall.
- 2. Have your partner place the yardstick on top of your head such that it touches the wall and is parallel to the floor. Partner makes a small mark on the wall under the yardstick. Measure the distance from the floor to the mark (in feet and inches).
- 3. Record this measurement.
Waist circumference:
- 1. Stand upright and have your partner wrap the tape measure or a piece of string around your bare abdomen just above the hip bones (see diagram at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/e_txtbk/txgd/4142.htm). Pull the string or tape measure so it’s snug, but not compressing the skin. Keep the tape level.
- 2. Your partner holds thumb and finger on the measuring tape or string where the two ends meet. If you use a piece of string, have a yard stick or other measuring device handy so you can measure the string.
- 3. Record this measurement (in inches).
To find your BMI, use this chart.