Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Waist Circumference

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the patient standing, feet close together and arms relaxed at the sides, bare the abdomen. Locate the midpoint between the lower margin of the lowest palpable rib and the top of the iliac crest, and wrap a stretch-resistant tape horizontally around the waist at that level. Take the reading at the end of a normal expiration, keeping the tape snug without compressing the skin.

How to Interpret

Showing all 1 finding

Obesity

Waist circumference >=102 cm in men or >=88 cm in women (or population-specific cutoff)
Rule in
Helpful
Rule out
Somewhat helpful
Evidence:Strong

References

  • Sommer I, Teufer B, Szelag M, Nussbaumer-Streit B, Titscher V, Klerings I, Gartlehner G. The performance of anthropometric tools to determine obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):12699. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-69498-7. PMID: 32728050.
  • World Health Organization. Waist Circumference and Waist-Hip Ratio: Report of a WHO Expert Consultation, Geneva, 8-11 December 2008. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2011.

Related Bedside Tests

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Point of Maximal Impulse
aka Apical impulse; apex beat
Rule in:VHLeft Ventricular Dilation, HLeft Ventricular Hypertrophy, SHCardiomegaly +7 more
Rule out:VHLeft Ventricular Dilation, SHLeft Ventricular Hypertrophy, MHCardiomegaly +7 more
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Abdominojugular Reflux
aka Hepatojugular reflux
Rule in:SHHeart Failure, IEConstrictive Pericarditis, IERight Heart Failure
Rule out:SHTricuspid Regurgitation, IEConstrictive Pericarditis, IERight Heart Failure
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Rule in:VHAortic Regurgitation, VHVolume Depletion From Significant Blood Loss, HAcute Aortic Dissection +11 more
Rule out:VHVolume Depletion From Significant Blood Loss, HLow-output State (Low Cardiac Index) Within Established Chronic Heart Failure, SHAcute Aortic Dissection +10 more
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Edema Assessment
Rule in:SHCirrhosis, SHHeart Failure, NHDeep Vein Thrombosis +11 more
Rule out:MHHeart Failure, NHDeep Vein Thrombosis, IEBaker Cyst Rupture +10 more
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Heart Rate
Rule in:HAtrial Fibrillation, SHHypothyroidism, SHPneumonia +7 more
Rule out:VHAtrial Fibrillation, MHAdverse Short-term Outcome in Confirmed Pulmonary Embolism, IECardiac Tamponade +5 more
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Liver Palpation
Rule in:SHCirrhosis, IEAcute Hepatitis, IECongestive Hepatopathy +6 more
Rule out:SHCirrhosis, IEAcute Hepatitis, IECongestive Hepatopathy +6 more