Body measurements

Waist-to-height ratio

WHtR

Included in Baseline and Complete, measured during at-home visits.

Your waist, scaled to your frame.

Waist-to-height ratio is calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your height. It estimates abdominal fat while accounting for body size, so it can be compared fairly between taller and shorter people.

This simple ratio has growing research support.

A large review of studies across several ethnic groups found waist-to-height ratio was better than BMI or waist circumference at distinguishing adults with cardiometabolic risk factors such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

UK guidance from NICE suggests keeping your waist to less than half your height. Canada's adult obesity guideline lists waist-to-height ratio among the measures that can be used alongside BMI.

Questions

Is waist-to-height ratio better than BMI?

For spotting cardiometabolic risk, research suggests it often performs better, because it reflects fat around the middle. Each measure adds something, so your result is read with your BMI, blood pressure, and blood results.

How is it measured?

It's calculated from the waist and height measurements your phlebotomist takes during your at-home visit, so there's nothing extra to do. Measuring the same way each visit makes changes over time easier to see.

Sources and references