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Abdominal girth

Abdominal girth is the measurement of the distance around the abdomen at a specific point. The measurement is most often made at the level of the belly button (navel). Abdominal girth is used to diagnose and monitor the following:

  • Obesity
  • Buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites), most often caused by liver disease, heart failure, or any cancer that has spread widely throughout the abdomen
  • Buildup of intestinal gas, most often caused by blockage or obstruction in the intestines

Images

References

Martin P. Approach to the patient with liver disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 132.

Orandi BJ, Aronne LJ. Obesity. In: Chung RT, Rubin DT, Wilcox CM, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 8.

Review Date 7/22/2025

Updated by: Todd Eisner, MD, Private practice specializing in Gastroenterology in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida at Gastroenterology Consultants of Boca Raton. Affiliate Assistant Professor, Florida Atlantic University School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.