Measuring your waistline is a useful approach to ensure that you are not carrying too much fat around your stomach, which can increase your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. You might have a healthy BMI but yet have extra stomach fat, putting you at risk for certain illnesses. To determine your waist size, use the following formula: Locate the top of your hips and the bottom of your ribcage. Wrap a tape measure around your waist and measure it halfway between these places. Before taking the measurement, take a deep breath and exhale normally. If your waist circumference is: regardless of your height or BMI, you should endeavor to reduce weight. For males, a height of 94cm (37ins) or higher is required. For ladies, 80cm (31.5ins) or more is required. If your waist is: You're at a very high risk and should see a doctor if your waist is: For guys, 102cm (40ins) or more is required. Women must be at least 88cm (34ins) tall.