The National Institute for Excellence in Health and Care (NICE), which sets health recommendations in the UK, recommended that people be encouraged to keep their waist circumference at less than half their height.
While the Body Mass Index is still a useful metric, according to the organization, this method does not take into account weight around the abdomen.
Fat around the abdomen increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
In the draft guide published by NICE, it is stated that Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and black people are more prone to belly fat.
It is recommended that the obesity limit be lowered in the measurement of body mass index and determination of health risks of these ethnic groups.
However, NICE warns that people with a body mass index within the healthy range may be overweight around the waist.
To identify those who are overweight or obese, the new guide says, “Measure the waist thickness with a tape measure, after exhaling naturally, in the area between the lowest rib and the top of the hip.”
In the guide, it is stated that waist thickness and height ratio can be used for men, women, all ethnic groups and muscular adults.
However, it is emphasized that waist measurements will not be accurate for those with a body mass index over 35, pregnant women and children under the age of two.
Some experts also feel that measuring waist circumference will not work for those over 60, who may be too short or taller with age.
Professor of obesity, diabetes and endochronology, who is in the committee that prepared the NICE guide. Rachel Batterham said: “Increased waistline fat increases various risks, including Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.”
“Waist-to-height ratio is a simple, easy-to-use method that can be useful in identifying high-risk people,” Batterham added.