Validation of a novel method for measuring waist circumference.

Though seemingly an easy procedure to perform, there is no universally accepted approach to the measurement of waist circumference (WC) in the clinical setting. Measurement of WC can be affected by a myriad of factors including patient movement or position changes, poor positioning of the measuring tape or differences in tension applied to the tape by the clinician. Changes in any one of these factors can reduce the validity and reliability of the measurement. This is of particular importance in clinical trials where changes in WC represent a therapeutic endpoint. Recognition of the need for a more standardized and reliable means to perform WC measurement led to the development of a novel, validated technique. The Height of Iliac Crest (HIC) method uses a standardized technique that increases the reliability of measurement by minimizing some of the weaknesses and variations of previous methods. The purpose of the following study was to validate the accuracy and reproducibly of the HIC method for obtaining WC measurement data. This study demonstrates that accurate and reproducible results can be obtained through the application of the HIC method for measuring waist circumference.