Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator
Assess your health risk with this simple but powerful metric
What is Waist-to-Height Ratio?
Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) is a simple measure comparing your waist circumference to your height. It's an excellent predictor of health risks associated with central obesity.
Key Insight
Keep your waist to less than half your height. This simple rule applies across ages, genders, and ethnicities.
How to Interpret Results
| Ratio | Category | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|
| < 0.4 | Underweight | Low Risk |
| 0.4 - 0.5 | Healthy | Low Risk |
| 0.5 - 0.6 | Overweight | Increased Risk |
| > 0.6 | Obese | High Risk |
Why WHtR May Be Better Than BMI
Research shows WHtR may be a better predictor of cardiovascular and metabolic risks than BMI:
- Accounts for fat distribution (central obesity is more dangerous)
- Works across different body types and ethnicities
- Simple to calculate and remember
Research Evidence
Multiple studies have shown WHtR is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mortality risk. It outperforms BMI in identifying individuals at risk.