Simple string test shows if you’re overweight in just two minutes

While calculating your BMI is generally a good way to tell if you’re overweight, it isn’t always accurate.

For this reason, health experts have been recommending another way to check if you’re carrying to much fat.

Dr Michael Mosley recently recommended the “string test”.

So how do you carry it out?

The National Health Service outlines why BMI testing isn’t always accurate.

As the calculator doesn’t take muscle mass or bone weight into account, it can mistakenly diagnose someone as obese.

The NHS website explains: “Your BMI can tell you if you’re carrying too much weight, but it can’t tell if you’re carrying too much fat.

“The BMI can’t tell the difference between excess fat, muscle, or bone.

“The adult BMI doesn’t take into account age, gender or muscle mass.

“This means:

– Very muscular adults and athletes may be classed “overweight” or “obese” even though their body fat is low

– Adults who lose muscle as they get older may fall into the “healthy weight” range even though they may be carrying excess fat.”

Writing for the Mail on Sunday, Dr Michael Mosley recently explained how wrapping string around your waist can indicate if you’re overweight.

He recommends measuring how tall your are against a piece of string, before cutting it at your height.

Next, fold the string in half.

You should then wrap this around your stomach at belly button level.

If the strands don’t meet at the middle, it could suggest you need to shed some pounds.

Dr Mosley explained: “Ideally your waist should be less than half your height. So if you are 6ft (72in) tall, your waist should be less than 36in.”

If you are concerned about your weight, seek the advice of your GP.

The medical expert can evaluate if your size is putting your health at risk.

They may also recommend ways you can slim down.