Progress By the Tape
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Obsessing over each pound may not be the best way to keep track of your weight-loss progress. Instead, monitor your waist-to-hip ratio, which can also be an indicator of heart disease risk. (Experts recommended a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.85 or less for women, 0.9 or less for men.1) Start by measuring your waist at the spot between the rib cage and hipbone, as viewed from the front. Then, turn sideways in front of a mirror to be sure you measure all your hips, including your butt. Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement for your ratio. Other places you may want to measure in inches: thighs and upper arms. Use our online trackers to see your progress.
Reference:
1. World Health Organization. "Risk Factor: Obesity." Available at http://www.who.int/cardiovascular_diseases/en/cvd_atlas_09_obesity.pdf. Accessed 1/15/09
