Waist circumference is measured with a spring-loaded tape above the iliac crest. What are the recommended maximum measurements for women and men?

• A. Women less than 39 inches and men less than 35 inches
• B. Women less than 36 inches and men less than 40 inches
• C. Women less than 30 inches and men less than 34 inches
• D. Women less than 35 inches and men less than 39 inches

Answer: (D)

Waist circumference is a practical indicator of abdominal fat, and measuring it at a consistent site around the abdomen above the iliac crest provides a standardized assessment of cardiometabolic risk. The recommended maximums in this context are 35 inches for women and 39 inches for men. Staying below these thresholds is associated with lower risk for conditions like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, as it reflects lower central fat accumulation. The other numbers either misstate the gender thresholds or don’t align with the guidelines used in this material, so this set of cutoffs best matches the expected standard.