Introduction

Have you ever heard of an apple or pear body shape? Well, this refers to where we carry excess fat in the body, whether it be around our abdomen or near our hips. An anthropometric measurement that allows us to determine body shape is the waist circumference measurement. In this lesson we are going to learn how to conduct waist circumference measurements, including equipment setup and calibration.

Lesson

Review the Required Resources thoroughly BEFORE going through the Graded Activities. Please be aware of the due dates associated with this lesson.

Required Resources

  1. Selecting Equipment to Measure Waist Circumference
    Waist is measured using a non-elastic measuring tape. The measuring tape should be able to measure in both centimeters and inches. Most tape measures now have a retractable function making them convenient to use.

  2. Equipment Setup
    Preparing to conduct waist measures are simple – all one needs is a properly functioning measuring tape.

  3. Equipment Calibration
    The rod used to calibrate a stadiometer or length board is also used to calibrate a tape measure. The 0 on the tape measure is lined up on one end and the tape measure extended to the other end. If the measuring tape does not calibrate to the rod do not use it. This is possible as over time and use the measuring tape may stretch. Always record the calibration value prior to conducting any measurements following measurement protocols. Calibration should occur at the start of each measurement session.

  4. Equipment Care
    Tapes should be wiped down with sanitizer after every child’s measurement to prevent the spread of germs. Cleaning the equipment at the end of the session is also important to extend the life of the equipment. Due to their small size it is easy to lose or forget a measuring tape so make sure to follow a protocol for collecting, transporting, and storing.

  5. Lohman Anthropometric Standardization Manual

    Read pages 39 - 40, 44 - 46.

  6. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III Anthropometry Manual

    Read pages 2-12, 2-16 and 3-15 to 3-16 (protocol for measuring waist at the iliac crest).

  7. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: Waist Circumference at the Iliac Crest (View in new tab)

    To measure waist at the iliac crest, which is recommended for children who are older than 10 years of age, please view this video (time 1:00 - 4:24).

  8. Measuring Waist Circumference at the Iliac Summary Document

    The process used to measure waist circumference at the level of the iliac has been created for your reference.

  9. Process for Measuring Waist Circumference at the Umbilicus (View in new tab)

    This video demonstrates the approach to measuring waist circumference at the level of the umbilicus. This approach is used to measure waist circumference in children 10 years of age or younger.

  10. Measuring Waist Circumference at the Umbilicus Summary Document

    The process used to measure waist circumference at the level of the umbilicus has been created for your reference.

  11. Measuring Roles: Waist Circumference

    Review the different roles a practitioner may play in measuring waist circumference.

  12. Number of Measurements

    Review this document to clarify the number of measurements needed.

Graded Activities

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Optional Resources

Resources in this section are meant to help reinforce the content in this lesson.