How it's calculated
WHtR = waist ÷ height
waist = waist circumference, height = standing height (same unit). Healthy if at or below 0.5; NICE 2022 risk boundary 0.53.
Reference ranges
| WHtR | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 0.4 | Underweight signal |
| 0.4 to 0.49 | Healthy |
| 0.5 to 0.59 | Increased risk |
| 0.6 and up | High risk |
Common questions
Is waist-to-height ratio better than BMI?
For cardiometabolic risk, many studies say yes. It accounts for where fat sits, which BMI ignores.
Where do I measure my waist?
Around the narrowest point between the bottom rib and the top of the hip bone, with the tape snug but not compressing.