Physical measurements, such as height, weight, waist and hip circumference, are important factors in our health. 

Taking these measurements in a large number of people can help to predict certain health patterns within a population. Changes in these measurements within a population reflect the changes in the society’s diet and lifestyle. We are interested in the relationship between height, weight, waist and hip measurements and other health outcomes. 

Read the participant information sheet on providing health measures here. 

Waist and hip measurement

The waist and hip circumference are measures of the distribution of our body fat (both subcutaneous and intra-abdominal). There has been increasing interest in the distribution of body fat as an important indicator of increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Research suggests that waist circumference is a predictor of health risk like body mass index (BMI). 

The waist measurement is best taken against bare skin or light clothing. The hip measurement should be taken wearing light clothing. Before taking your measurements, if possible, please remove: 

• Outer layers of clothing, such as jackets, heavy or baggy jumpers
• Belts 
• Items from your pockets 
• Tight garments that may change the shape of your body, such as corsets

Measuring your waist

• Stand up straight. 
• Find, on the side of your body, the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips. 
• Place the tape measure around your middle at the point halfway between them, just above your belly button. The tape should be snug, but not too tight. You should be able to fit your little finger comfortably under the tape.
• Breath out and do not suck in your stomach. Then take the measurement. 
• Write the measurement on the health measurement card provided. Please write in the centimetres (cm) and millimetres (mm). If your measurement falls between two millimetres, please write in the nearest millimetre. 

Measuring your hips

• Stand up straight. 
• Place the tape measure around the widest part of your buttocks. Make sure that the tape is not around your waistband, or where your hands fall when you ‘put your hands on your hips’. The tape should be snug, but not too tight. You should be able to fit your little finger comfortably under the tape. 
• Take the measurement.
• Write the measurement on the health measurement card provided. Please write in the centimetres (cm) and millimetres (mm). If your measurement falls between two millimetres, please write in the nearest millimetre. 

If you would rather read this content in pdf format, please download our health measurements leaflet