Waist-to-height ratio: your waist measurement divided by your height, using the same unit for both.
What your waist-to-height ratio tells you
Carrying extra fat around your middle raises your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Why it adds to BMI:
- You can have a BMI in the healthy range and still carry extra fat at the waist, so this simple check can catch a risk that BMI misses.
- The NHS uses it alongside BMI as a way of measuring health.
What moves your waist-to-height ratio
Belly fat responds to the same habits as overall fat loss:
- fewer refined carbohydrates like maida, biscuits and mithai
- more fibre from vegetables, whole grains and pulses
- enough protein to keep you full
- daily walking and some strength exercise
- sleeping well and managing stress
Measure once a month at the same time of day, rather than every morning, so you see the real trend.
Is waist-to-height ratio on a report?
This isn't a blood test, though some check-up packages and dietitians record it. The NHS advises keeping your waist to less than half your height, which means a ratio under 0.5.
The NHS calculator isn't meant for:
- pregnant women
- people with an eating disorder
- adults with a BMI over 35
The first call is free
Tell Puja what's going on and she will tell you honestly whether she can help.
Checked against: NHS: Calculate your waist to height ratio. General information, not medical advice.
Related words
BMI (body mass index)Waist-to-hip ratioVisceral fatMetabolic syndromeInsulin resistanceFatty liver (NAFLD)Ideal body weight
Where it comes up
Work it out
Read next: Menopause belly fat: what actually helps.
A question about Waist-to-height ratio?
Send Puja a message. On a free call she looks at your reports and your plate with you, and says what to change.
Questions go to WhatsApp. Prefer to call? +91 88826 96344