WHtR Formula:
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The Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) is a simple anthropometric measure of body fat distribution that compares waist circumference to height. It's a useful complement to BMI for assessing central obesity and associated health risks.
The calculator uses the WHtR formula:
Where:
Details: WHtR is a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome. A ratio above 0.5 indicates increased health risks, regardless of BMI.
Tips: Measure waist circumference at the narrowest point between ribs and hips while standing. Enter both waist and height in centimeters for accurate results.
Q1: What is a healthy WHtR?
A: For adults, WHtR should be less than 0.5. Values between 0.5-0.6 indicate increased risk, and above 0.6 indicates high risk.
Q2: Is WHtR better than BMI?
A: WHtR may be better at predicting health risks as it accounts for central fat distribution, which is more metabolically active.
Q3: How to measure waist circumference accurately?
A: Use a flexible tape measure at the midpoint between the bottom of your ribs and top of your hips, keeping the tape horizontal.
Q4: Does WHtR apply to children?
A: Yes, but cutoff values differ by age. Generally, WHtR above 0.5 in children also indicates increased health risks.
Q5: Should WHtR replace BMI?
A: WHtR is a valuable complement to BMI but not necessarily a replacement. Both provide different information about body composition.