1. What is WHtR?

The Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) is a simple and effective measure of central obesity and health risk. It's considered more accurate than BMI for assessing health risks related to weight.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the WHtR formula:

Where:

• Waist Circumference — Measured at the narrowest point between ribs and hips (cm)
• Height — Measured without shoes (cm)

Interpretation:

• < 0.35 — Abnormally Slim
• 0.35-0.42 — Extremely Slim
• 0.43-0.45 — Slender and Healthy
• 0.46-0.52 — Healthy and Normal Weight
• 0.53-0.57 — Overweight
• 0.58-0.62 — Very Overweight/Obese
• > 0.63 — Highly Obese

3. Importance of WHtR Calculation

Details: WHtR is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than BMI because it accounts for fat distribution. A ratio above 0.5 indicates increased health risks, even in normal-weight individuals.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure waist at the narrowest point between ribs and hips while standing. Measure height without shoes. Both measurements should be in centimeters.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use WHtR instead of BMI?
A: WHtR accounts for fat distribution and is better at identifying health risks, especially in people with normal BMI but high abdominal fat.

Q2: What is a healthy WHtR?
A: Generally, below 0.5 is considered healthy, though optimal ranges may vary slightly by age and ethnicity.

Q3: How to measure waist accurately?
A: Stand straight and measure at the narrowest point between ribs and hips, or midway if not obvious. Don't suck in your stomach.

Q4: Does WHtR apply to all ages?
A: WHtR is valid for adults and children, though interpretation may differ slightly for children and elderly.

Q5: Are there ethnic differences in WHtR?
A: Some ethnic groups may have slightly different risk thresholds, but 0.5 is generally a good universal cutoff.