Keyword focus: waist-to-height ratio
Waist-to-Height Ratio Explained
Combine waist measurements with BMI to capture visceral fat risk and set smarter targets.
Measure and calculate
Record your waist in the advanced section of the BMI calculator to see your ratio instantly.
Waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) shines where BMI falls short. Because it isolates central adiposity, it captures risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease sooner.
What to review
- Keep WtHR below 0.5 for low long-term risk.
- Ratios above 0.6 warrant deeper conversations with a clinician, regardless of BMI.
- Measure at the level of the navel after exhaling gently for consistency.
Quick tips
- Use a cloth tape
- Place it parallel to the floor and avoid compressing skin to capture an accurate circumference.
- Track monthly
- Waist often changes before scale weight, especially when you begin resistance training.
Common questions
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Is WtHR better than BMI?
They work best together. WtHR highlights visceral fat while BMI captures overall mass relative to height.
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What ratio signals urgent action?
Ratios of 0.6 or higher correlate with elevated cardiometabolic risk in both men and women. Consult your healthcare provider for labs and lifestyle support.