[Mozzy]

Reading a bunch of literature on stats of the "average" American women.

Here's my confusion: do you measure your waist at your belly button OR at the smallest point between your hips and bust???

[Tziri]

Narrowest part of your torso = natural waist if that's what you're asking

[Daimere]

My belly button line is where my smallest point is

[Novus]

I don't have a waist so I measure at the belly button.

[April Snow]

My understanding is that in terms of medical stuff, like saying it's healthiest for women to have a waist that is 35 inches or smaller, they are referring to measuring at the belly button. If nothing else, I think it's a good place to measure because you always know you are in the same place! lol! Maybe for women with a well defined waist that is more obvious but for those of us who are thick in the middle, it's more of a guessing game where is smallest so it's good to just have a landmark to go by.

[SarahFairhope]

I read you go with the smallest part above your hips but below your rib cage. And that smallest part has fluctuated for me. Before it was right at my belly button (at 250ish) and now (at 212) its right below my rib cage. For measurements on "inches lose" I just stick with my belly button for consistency. But there isn't a huge difference between my smallest part of my waist and my belly button, maybe .5inch?

If its measurements given for clothing (which is what I am guessing it was for your study/statistical info) its probably taken at the natural waist (smallest area). Total guess on my part though.

So, what were the numbers?

[Thinforme]

I do both because well I like knowing my smallest point which is below my ribs but above my belly button. I do my belly button and the place I wear my jeans because well I'm not into my pants being at or above my belly button. I get to see exactly where is getting smaller this way but I go nuts with my tape to the point of even doing my wrist and ankles lol

[lunarsongbird]

Yup, my consultant at metabolic does both, as well. The smallest part is the waist and the largest part of your belly is usually considered an abdominal measurement.

[Silverfire]

Perfect, I wanted to know this too