Keeping your waist circumference to less than half of your height will increase your life expectancy, according to research being presented today (Saturday 12 May) at the 19th European Congress on Obesity in Lyon.

The study suggests that waist-to-height ratio is a better indicator of overweight and obesity than body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference.

"No measurement is perfect in all circumstances, but BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratios all provide a useful guide as to whether you're a healthy weight," said Dr Robert Grenfell, Clinical Issues Director at the Heart Foundation.

"The differences between the three measures are rarely clinically significant so the Heart Foundation suggests that you do at least one of the calculations on a regular basis.

"It's much more important to act on the result - being overweight puts you at higher risk of heart disease, the number one killer of Australian men and women and carrying weight around the middle is particularly dangerous," Dr Grenfell said.

For more information and the Heart Foundation's top tips for healthy weight loss, visit http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/healthy-eating/Pages/healthy-weight.aspx or call the Health Information Service on 1300 36 27 87.

If you're concerned about your weight, seek professional advice. Speak to your doctor, an Accredited Practising Dietitian or a physical health professional.

Heart Foundation