Physical examination maneuver
Physical Exam
Waist Circumference
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Video coming September 2026
How to Perform
With the patient standing, expose the abdomen. Palpate the lower margin of the lowest palpable rib and the top of the iliac crest, and identify the midpoint between them. Wrap a measuring tape horizontally around the abdomen at that level, keeping it parallel to the floor. At the end of a normal expiration, read the circumference with the tape snug against the skin but not compressing it.
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
HelpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Somewhat helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Strong