Information for South Asians

Adults of South Asian populations living in the UK have a higher than average risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes than the rest of the UK population. They are also more likely to store body fat around their middle, which further raises the risk of developing these conditions. So if you are South Asian, it is especially important to consider your waist measurement as well as your BMI. In some cases, your waist measurement might show an increased risk to health, even if your BMI is within the ideal range.

Waist circumference

• For South Asian women, a waist size over 31.5 inches (80 centimetres) is indicative of obesity

• For South Asian men, a waist size over 35.5 inches (90 centimetres) is indicative of obesity

* Content on this page is produced with the kind permission of the British Heart Foundation, which is the joint copyright owner with Weight Concern