Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
Calculate your waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) to assess health risks associated with abdominal obesity. A simple measure to determine if you're carrying too much weight around your middle.
Calculate Your Waist-to-Height Ratio
Enter your waist circumference and height to calculate your waist-to-height ratio.
Understanding Waist-to-Height Ratio
Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a simple measurement that compares your waist circumference to your height. It's gaining recognition as one of the most effective indicators of health risks associated with excess abdominal fat.
The main advantage of WHtR over other measurements like BMI is that it takes into account where fat is distributed in the body. Abdominal fat (around the waist) is more strongly linked to health risks than fat in other areas of the body.
The general guideline for WHtR is simple: "Keep your waist circumference to less than half your height." This translates to a WHtR of less than 0.5 (or 50%).
WHtR categories and their health implications:
- Less than 0.35: Extremely slim (possible underweight)
- 0.35 to 0.43: Slim
- 0.43 to 0.53: Healthy
- 0.53 to 0.58: Overweight (increased health risks)
- 0.58 to 0.63: Very overweight (high health risks)
- Above 0.63: Obese (very high health risks)
Research suggests that WHtR may be a better predictor of cardiovascular disease risk and mortality than BMI. It's also applicable across different ethnic groups, ages, and genders, making it a versatile tool for health assessment.
To improve your WHtR, focus on reducing abdominal fat through a combination of regular physical activity (both cardio and strength training), a balanced diet rich in whole foods, adequate sleep, and stress management.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is waist-to-height ratio?
Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a measurement that compares your waist circumference to your height. It's used to assess health risks associated with abdominal obesity and is calculated by dividing your waist measurement by your height.
- How is waist-to-height ratio calculated?
Waist-to-height ratio is calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your height, with both measurements in the same units. For example, if your waist is 85 cm and your height is 175 cm, your WHtR would be 85 ÷ 175 = 0.49.
- What is a healthy waist-to-height ratio?
A healthy waist-to-height ratio is generally considered to be less than 0.5 (or 50%). This aligns with the simple message "keep your waist circumference to less than half your height." A ratio above 0.5 indicates increased health risks.
- Why is waist-to-height ratio important?
Waist-to-height ratio is important because it's a simple and effective indicator of health risks associated with abdominal fat. Research suggests it may be a better predictor of cardiovascular disease risk and mortality than BMI or waist circumference alone.
- How do I measure my waist correctly?
To measure your waist correctly, place a tape measure around your bare abdomen just above your hip bone, at the narrowest part of your waist. Make sure the tape is parallel to the floor and snug but not tight against your skin. Measure after breathing out normally.