Abdominal girth

Abdominal girth refers to the measurement of the circumference around the abdomen at a specific point. It is a key indicator of health and fitness, and is often used in clinical settings to monitor changes in weight, particularly in relation to obesity and malnutrition.

Definition

The abdominal girth is the distance around the abdomen, typically measured at the level of the belly button (the umbilicus). It is a simple, non-invasive measurement that can provide valuable information about an individual's health status.

Measurement

Measurement of the abdominal girth is typically performed using a flexible, non-stretchable measuring tape. The individual should be standing upright with the abdomen relaxed. The tape is wrapped around the abdomen at the level of the umbilicus, ensuring that it is horizontal and snug, but not compressing the skin.

Clinical significance

Abdominal girth is a useful measure of central obesity, a condition characterized by excess fat around the abdomen and associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. It can also be used to monitor weight loss or gain, and to assess the severity of malnutrition.

See also

• Body mass index
• Waist-hip ratio
• Anthropometry