Waist Circumference Recomendations

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hello Austin and Jordan,

You guys have talked ad nauseam about how a person with a 40 inch waist measurement should most likely try to start losing weight via caloric restriction right away. How much of a waist circumfrence reduction would you like to see before shifting to someone to maintenance level calories? Is there a range of acceptable waist measurements? I work almost exclusively with adult trainees who were previously sedentary and enter the gym needing to lose some weight on day one. I would like be able to advise my average client better.

Thanks a ton!

2

Thanks for the question, Matt.

I’m not sure if we have a strong collection of studies to guide us here, but what I do in practice is use the BMI and waist circ to guide my management. Typically if someone is obese and waist circ. is > 40" then we’re going to have them lose weight. Once < 40" then I’m looking for a decreased BMI to normal or overweight (depending on other factors) or a body fat level that’s closer to or less than 20% before maintenance calories would be appropriate.

3

Cool that makes sense. Thanks for the answer!