Another important way to assess your weight is by measuring your waist at belly button level. A simple way to stay aware of your waist is according to how well, or otherwise, skirts and trousers fit.

Having excess weight around your middle (known as being ‘apple-shaped’) increases your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 

For women, 32-35in (81-88cm) carries risk similar to a BMI of 25-30, and more than 35in (88cm), carries a similar risk to BMI greater than 30.

For men it is 37-40in (94-102cm), and more than 40in (102cm), respectively.