Waist Measurement: US vs. UK/AU

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

I’ve noticed that both the measurement method recommendations and cut-off recommendations for the US/BBM article seem to differ from those of the UK/AU as follows:

Measurement Method
US/BBM article: just above the top of the ASIS.
UK/AU: midway between the top of the ASIS and the bottom of the rib cage.

Cut-off Points
US/BBM article: 40”
UK/AU: 37”

Any insight into the reasoning for this? I know there seem to be ethnic differences in waist size recommendations, but at least on the surface it seems like US/UK/AU would all be pretty similar in that regard. The difference between the measurement methods seems pretty negligible. For example, on me personally the two locations are actually the same.

Further, I’ve heard in various Q&A’s and read in various threads here on the forum where you’ve recommended gaining weight up to a 37” waist circumference cut-off? So I guess my main question is should the cut-off be 37” or 40”? Is it the kind of scenario where above 37” you’re at increased risk and at 40” you’re at high risk? In other words, are these differences in recommendations basically just a difference in application of the exact same data set? Or is there more to it than that?

Thanks again!

2

We use the AACE guidelines, but other organizations use different cutoffs. I think the European guidelines and AACE guidelines are the best tools to use.

Further, I’ve heard in various Q&A’s and read in various threads here on the forum where you’ve recommended gaining weight up to a 37” waist circumference cut-off?

Yes, this is where the risk from obesity-related disease starts to trend up. 40" is where it is markedly increased based on existing data. I would not recommend having a WC of > 37" for men.

3

Thanks doc!