..... You guessed... A tape measure!.

There are some complicated body anaylsers around that in a matter of moments can tell you your weight, lean body mass, total body water, and the amount of fat.

Some will even calculate segmental weight and fluid distribution.
This will show the intracellular fluid, extracellular fluid, protein, bone and fat present in each part of the body.

Perhaps more than you would wish to know.

For me I know where my fat is. As with many older men, much of my excess fat is rolled around my waist. I am a classic apple.

But no need to rush out and buy an analyser, just delve into the bottom draw and find that tape measure. The tape measure is perhaps better than the scales.

Most research suggests that for women their waists should be under 81cm (32in) and the general health risk is regard as substantial once the waist exceeds 89cm (35in). Mens waists should not exceed 94cm (37in) and the risk becomes worrying if they are more than 101cm (40in).

My waist?........39.999999ins.....not a worry then

Profeesor Mike Lean of the University of Glasgow has been trying to increase peoples awareness of the importance of waist size and has now extended this campaign to clothing size.

There is a worrying increase in the risk of premature heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes for men whose trouser (pant) size is greater than 38 and women whose dress size is over 18 in UK, 16 in the US or 48 in European sizes.

You will read on these pages the good advice to people who are worried about the scales not moving.

Check your measurements instead.

Do the pantometer test.

The good thing about this WOE is that eventually you get to buy new clothes!

Anyone else got it taped?