How to use
- Measure your waist midway between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone, then measure the widest part of your hips.
- Enter height, waist and hip circumference in centimetres and select your sex.
- Compare both ratios with the screening bands, while treating them as guidance rather than a diagnosis.
Options explained
- Waist-to-height ratio
- Waist circumference divided by height. NICE advises adults to keep their waist below half their height; 0.5–0.59 indicates increased central adiposity and 0.6 or more indicates high central adiposity.
- Waist-to-hip ratio
- Waist circumference divided by hip circumference. The WHO increased-risk threshold is 0.90 for men and 0.85 for women.
- Measurement
- Use a non-stretch tape, keep it horizontal and snug without compressing the skin, and measure after breathing out normally.
Adult screening bands
| Measure | Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Waist-to-height ratio | 0.40–0.49 | Healthy central adiposity |
| Waist-to-height ratio | 0.50–0.59 | Increased central adiposity |
| Waist-to-height ratio | 0.60 or more | High central adiposity |
| Waist-to-hip ratio | 0.90 or more (men), 0.85 or more (women) | Increased risk threshold |
These cut-offs are screening tools for groups, not personal diagnoses or treatment targets.
Frequently asked questions
Is waist-to-height ratio better than BMI?
They answer different questions. BMI screens weight relative to height, while waist ratios focus on central fat distribution. Using them together can give more context.
Does a result above 0.5 mean I have a disease?
No. It indicates increased statistical health risk and is not a diagnosis. Blood pressure, blood tests, family history and other factors also matter.
Who should not rely on these thresholds?
Pregnancy, BMI of 35 or more and some medical conditions need individual assessment. Children also require age-appropriate guidance.
Privacy
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