What is the healthy waist-to-height ratio?

A WHtR below 0.5 is considered healthy across all ages and both sexes. This means your waist circumference should be less than half your height — a simple, memorable rule.

Is WHtR better than BMI?

Research suggests WHtR is a better predictor of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and mortality than BMI. It requires only a tape measure and works across ethnicities.

How do I reduce my waist circumference?

Aerobic exercise and caloric deficit reduce overall body fat. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and resistance training are particularly effective at reducing abdominal fat. Sleep deprivation increases cortisol and promotes abdominal fat accumulation.

Waist-to-Height Ratio Health Threshold Calculator

Calculate your waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) to assess metabolic health risk. The simple threshold is that your waist circumference should be less than half your height. Enter both measurements to get your ratio and risk assessment.

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How to Use

Enter the values for the scenario you are assessing. Calculate your waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) to assess metabolic health risk. The simple threshold is that your waist circumference should be less than half your height. Enter both measurements to get your ratio and risk assessment. Use the waist-to-height ratio result to inform your calculation.